Reggie Bush spent the past two years with Miami Dolphins proving to the NFL that he can be a feature-back and now he will take his talents elsewhere, as reports say that the running back will not be returning to the team next season.
According to ESPN.com, sources told The Miami Herald that Bush will move on from the Dolphins when free agency starts and that at least three teams have contacted the running back when the negotiating deadline passed on Saturday. The source added that the Dolphins have no plans to re-sign Bush and they are ready to go forward in the future with younger running backs.
Bush rushed for 2,072 yards and 12 touchdowns over the past two years and leaves the Dolphins with Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas as the primary running backs for the 2013 season. The 28-year-old nearly rushed for 1,000-yards in back-to-back seasons and was fully healthy, playing in all 16 games last year after dealing with injuries during his time in New Orleans.
Last year he had 986 rushing yards while appearing in 16 games and during his 91-game career he has put up very solid numbers, gaining 4,162 rushing yards, 2,730 receiving yards while scoring nearly 50 touchdowns, which include 29 rush, 15 receiving and four return scores.
Bush has proven he can be an every-down back the past two seasons and could be an attractive free agent for any teams looking for rushing help. The New York Jets could be an option, as could the Arizona Cardinals and the Atlanta Falcons, who recently cut starter Michael Turner to save cap space.
Bush has lost a step or two since his days at USC, but he has proven over his career he can be a playmaker at running back, receiver and in the return game and could give a boost to teams who were lacking a rushing option last year. The Giants lost Ahmad Bradshaw and the Dallas Cowboys could also be an option, as Jerry Jones likes to make a splash and the team is about to lose Felix Jones in free agency.
Bush has proven to be an explosive talent and Jones could want to feature him as insurance for DeMarco Murray, who dealt with injuries last season. The Giants could also use a boost at running back, but they will likely try to retain Andre Brown rather than sign Bush.