The Kansas City Chiefs continue to make a few minor free agent signings to fill out their 90-man offseason roster.
Their latest signing has been a depth safety and special teams ace with the Chicago Bears for the past six seasons. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chiefs are set to sign Bears S Deon Bush on a one-year deal. A former fourth-round draft pick in the 2016 NFL draft out of the University of Miami (FL), Bush has appeared in 79 games with 12 starts for Chicago since his rookie season.
Bush actually played a few defensive and special teams snaps when the Chiefs faced the Bears back in 2019. This past year was one of his most successful yet, playing the most defensive snaps of his career. The 6-foot and 205-pound safety recorded 40 total tackles, two interceptions and five passes defended, having started in just four games throughout the season.
Former Bears’ free-agent safety Deon Bush is signing with the Chiefs on a one-year deal, per his agents @DrewJRosenhaus and @NFLrecord.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 23, 2022
As for where Bush might align in the Chiefs’ defense, he played over 80 snaps in the box, over 40 snaps at slot, but over 230 snaps at free safety last season per Pro Football Focus. He seems to be a bit of a hybrid replacement for both Daniel Sorensen and Armani Watts in terms of where they play. Dave Toub will surely be happy with the signing because of Bush’s prowess on special teams. He graded out better than any K.C. special teamer in 2021, making the top 20 in PFF’s special teams grades among players with at least 200 snaps.
Don’t be surprised if Bush actually sees playing time in Kansas City. The team’s depth behind Juan Thornhill and Justin Reid are two players who haven’t played an NFL defensive snap. Bush is a bit underrated given what he’s offered Chicago in terms of depth and reliability over the years. He should be in the mix, especially when the team goes to their big nickel looks with three safeties on the field.
Does this move close the door on a Tyrann Mathieu re-signing? Not quite.
