Reggie Bush signed with the Detroit Lions on Wednesday, taking the top running back off of the market as teams scramble to find other players at the position, including names like Rashard Mendenhall, Steven Jackson and Ahmad Bradshaw.
The Lions and Bush agreed on a contract Wednesday and it was rumored during the week that Detroit offered him a starting job after dealing with Mikel Leshoure and Joique Bell and ranking 23rd in the league last season. Bush was with Miami for the last two seasons and proved to teams that he could be an every down back.
Bush barely missed rushing for 1,000-yards in back-to-back seasons and proved he could stay healthy, playing in all 32 games over the past two years. He scored 12 touchdowns with the Dolphins and has scored 50 in his career. He will bring the Lions a dynamic and speedy player in the backfield that is also skilled at catching balls.
"Honestly, I still feel I have a lot to prove," the 6-foot, 200-pound running back told Playbook exclusively. "I have a lot of football left in me."
Bush has rushed for over 4,000 yards in his career and he will be ready to prove to the NFL that he still can play at 28-years-old. Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson will benefit from having a running game and the team can now play more balanced football.
Now that Bush is off the market, Steven Jackson remains the biggest name out there and the Caridnals and Jets could be looking to him now, as New York lost Shonn Greene to the Titans. The Jets were one of the worst offensive teams in the league and could use a back like Jackson or Ahmad Bradshaw to help quarterback Mark Sanchez.
Jackson has been a consistent and durable player during his career, gaining over 10,000 yards while rushing for over 1,000-yards in eight of his nine seasons. Jackson has had at least 230 carries over the past eight years and he has played in 14 games in seven of his nine seasons, making him a consistent and reliable addition.
Bradshaw was cut by the Giants in a salary cap move and could be valuable as a cheaper option. Jackson had 1,042 yards and four touchdowns last season but he opted out of his deal as the Rams decided to go younger at the position. Jackson will be 30-years-old, but he proved last season he is a capable runner and could be an important addition to either team.
