Chiefs Sign Deon Bush: Initial Reactions
With the Chiefs adding more and more depth/rotational players, they have added another player to the Chiefs’ secondary. This time around, the Chiefs have signed former Chicago Bears’ safety Deon Bush to a one-year deal:
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
Deon Bush is a six-year veteran who has played all six years in Chicago. He has played 79 games, starting in 12 of them; he has amassed 89 total tackles (73 solo tackles), a sack, a forced fumble, a pass deflection, and three interceptions (those interceptions have come in that last two years). Here are my initial reactions to this signing:
Deon Bush = Daniel Sorensen’s Replacement
The only reason I can see why Daniel Sorensen has been kept around for so long is that he’s a veteran who can help the younger safeties coming in. As stated before, Bush has been in the league for six years; that removes any of Sorensen’s “veteran leverage” coming in. Furthermore, Sorensen has been a liability in coverage; on 43 targets, he’s allowed 31 completions for 522 yards and six touchdowns. Those six touchdowns aren’t excusable by any means. He also had a 25% missed tackle percentage in 2021; fun stuff there.
Sure, the Chiefs can use Sorensen as a box safety, and he has shown to be a reliable pass rusher; however, he’s a safety. He will still be bullied by opposing teams when in coverage, which will dent the Chiefs’ defense; you’re are only as strong as your weakest link. It’s time to move on and have him search for new endeavors; Deon Bush’s singing seals the deal.
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Veteran Depth Add-On That’s Well-Rounded
The Chiefs got a diamond in the rough with signing Bush when looking at his coverage stats. His 2021 coverage stats are as follows (per Pro Football Reference):
23 targets
Nine completions
39.1% completion percentage
127 yards
One touchdown
36.0 average passer rating
While Daniel Sorensen had around twice as many targets in 2021 (43), he allowed 522 yards and six touchdowns on 31 completions (72.1% completion percentage). To say Bush had a better year coverage-wise than Sorensen would be an understatement. Additionally, Bush is a better tackler than Sorensen, only missing 9.1% of his tackles than Sorensen’s 25%. Seeing fewer missed tackles would be a relief to the eyes of many Chiefs fans.
While being a solid, well-rounded add-on for the defense, Bush is also a good special teams body. He’s been a primary member of the Bears’ special teams for a long time, playing in 60% of their snaps in 2021 (203) and 61% of their snaps back in 2020 (193).
Overall, Deon Bush is a well-rounded backup safety who could prove beneficial for the Chiefs next season. It’ll be exciting to see what he does next season.
What are your thoughts on the Chiefs signing Deon Bush? Leave a comment down below to join the discussion.
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