The New England Patriots are hosting Reggie Bush for a free agent visit and the running back could look at NE as an option over the San Francisco 49ers, who have also shown interest after the departure of Frank Gore.
Bush made his bones in New Orleans and had some strong years catching the ball and he progressed as a runner after leaving NO. Bush dealt with injuries last season and he could be a change of pace player with Mark Ingram coming back. The Saints added CJ Spiller to do that and now Bush could be a prime target for the Patriots and the Niners. The 49ers have interest and could look at him to take over for Frank Gore.
--UPDATE: Reggie Bush has signed with the 49ers.
Bush is coming in after a disappointing season in Detroit, as he was injured and was inconsistent through 2014. Bush could be a nice fit behind Carlos Hyde, as the Niners would like to have a player that can catch the ball out of the backfield. That would add a new element to the offense for Colin Kaepernick, who needs more of a safety net after the way last season went. Bush played in 11 games last season and had just 297 yards along with 40 receptions for 253 yards out of the backfield for the Lions. Stevan Ridley is also available and could be an option.
According to ESPN.com, Bush is visiting with the team and GM Trent Baalke called the interest in him "real" and that he could be a good fit for the offense. Colin Kaepernick took a step back last season and after the trade rumors came up last week regarding the quarterback, the 49ers would like to give him more options. The team signed Torrey Smith before releasing Johnson and they are hoping he can make a nice one two punch with Anquan Boldin, who is aging but productive.
Bush could give the team a strong element in the passing game if he can stay healthy and that would be a different look than Gore, who is more of a downhill runner. Bush was injured and dealt with nagging injuries when he did play last season, but he said that he is back to 100 percent this offseason.
Bush has had at least 40 catches in three of the past four seasons and in his career he has not been below 35 receptions in any season. Bush had 88 catches as a rookie and at least 50 multiple times and adding that type of back to the offense could be big for Kaepernick as he tries to bounce back.