Andy Reid officially disclosed the addition of a strong emerging star to bolster his team’s offensive capabilities.
The 90-man offseason roster of the Kansas City Chiefs is still being filled with a few small free agent signings.
A six-year veteran of the Chicago Bears’ special teams unit and depth safety corps is their most recent addition. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Chiefs are expected to sign Bears S Deon Bush to a one-year contract. Bush, a University of Miami (FL) product who was previously selected in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, has made 79 appearances with 12 starts for Chicago since his debut season.
In fact, Bush saw action on defense and special teams during the Chiefs’ 2019 game against the Bears. He played the most defensive snaps of his career in the most productive year to date. Despite starting in just four games this season, the 6-foot and 205-pound safety finished with 40 total tackles, two interceptions, and five passes defended.
According to his representatives @DrewJRosenhaus and @NFLrecord, former Bears free agent safety Deon Bush has agreed to a one-year contract with the Chiefs.
— March 23, 2022, Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
Bush played over 80 snaps in the box, over 40 snaps at slot, and over 230 snaps at free safety last season, according to Pro Football Focus, so that may give us an idea of where he might line up on the Chiefs defense. In terms of where they play, he appears to be a bit of a hybrid replacement for both Armani Watts and Daniel Sorensen. Given Bush’s skill on special teams, Dave Toub will undoubtedly be pleased with the signing. He made the top 20 in PFF’s special teams rankings among players with at least 200 snaps, grading out higher than any K.C. special team member in 2021.
If Bush does receive playing time in Kansas City, don’t be shocked. Two players who haven’t played an NFL defensive snap are the team’s depth behind Juan Thornhill and Justin Reid. Considering the depth and dependability that Bush has provided Chicago with over the years, he is a little bit undervalued. Especially when the team goes to their big nickel looks with three safeties on the field, he ought to be in the mix.
