Saints RB Reggie Bush and his status in New Orleans has been one of the hot-button topics so far this offseason. Set to make $11.8 million in 2011 and the chances that a restructured deal won't get done getting stronger, Bush is expected to eventually be released once free agency begins. There has been news that the Saints could possibly get a conditional future pick. But considering Bush's injury history, I doubt it.
Speaking of injuries, I smelled a little bit of desperation after Bush made comments that the Saints' Superdome turf was the main reason why he missed so much time due to various lower-body problems. Didn't Rams great Marshall Faulk play on turf? Didn't former Saint Deuce McAllister play on the same field? Come on Reggie, you can think of a better excuse than that.
If Bush wants to play on natural grass, then the news that the Colts will show interest once free agency hits should prove to be a moot point considering they play their home games in a dome. This should also leave out teams like Atlanta and St. Louis as potential suitors.
During a recent appearance on NFL Network's Total Access, Jason La Canfora stated that the Dolphins will show interest and "might actually set the market" for Bush's services. He also mentioned Philly and St. Louis, who will miss out because of reasons above, but it sounds like Miami could be the front runners.
Daniel Thomas owners shouldn't fret. While the Dolphins would be a perfect fit since they need a scat back and they have the type of field Bush would love to play on, he simply isn't that good anymore. Injuries have taken their toll. And even before injuries started setting in, Bush's hype coming out of college was just that; HYPE. He's never come even close to a 1000-yard rushing season, with his career best coming in 2007 with 581 yards. And while he's still a decent pass catcher, his 88 reception-rookie season looks more like a fluke than a concrete stat.
So if I was a Thomas owner, I really wouldn't worry. I still fully expect him to get the brunt of the work, with Bush coming in to give the rookie a breather. Bush will also help in the punt-return game, but I can't see that helping his fantasy value even in return-yardage leagues. And who knows, Bush may decide he wants a much bigger role and blow off Miami's offer altogether.
After drafting Mario Williams instead of Bush as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 draft, think former Texans GM Charlie Casserly smirks when ever he reads an article like this?