The San Francisco 49ers have had some major changes this offseason and after Frank Gore left, the team may look at Reggie Bush as an option, while players like Ryan Mathews, Vince Wilfork and Nick Fairley could be potential targets and this comes after Stevie Johnson's release and after Trent Baalke said that the team is not interested in Greg Hardy in free agency.
The 49ers allowed Gore to walk in free agency and other players like Mike Iupati and Johnson are gone as well. According to ESPN.com, the team is releasing Johnson and this comes after he was previously acquired in a trade when Jim Harbaugh was coach. The team is likely going to let Michael Crabtree walk after they signed Torrey Smith and they may look at adding Bush for depth with second year player Carlos Hyde stepping up. Accordion to ESPN.com, Mathews has not yet signed with the Eagles and could balk at his agreement if DeMarco Murray is signed.
The 49ers have taken some heat with the way they have handled things this offseason, but Baalke said that they are confident in their moves and have faith in new coach Jim Tomsula. The team has big shoes to fill, as Harbaugh was a fan favorite and won 44 games in four years with the team. The Niners were one of the best rushing teams in the league last season and with Gore leaving, they really need to add some depth behind Hyde. Gore had over 1100 yards last year and has been as productive as anyone in his career in San Francisco.
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. The Niners were never looking at DeMarco Murray to the top names, but Bush and Ryan Mathews could be options, as Mathews' deal with the Eagles is not a sure thing yet.
Bush comes in after playing in 11 games last season and rushing for just 297 yards, but in that time he had 40 catches for 253 yards and that is where he could help the Niners. 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.
According to ESPN.com, Baalke was quiet about the Bruce Miller situation, but he could be cut or released after his abuse case hit the news.
