Bush Destination Unknown?

According to recent reports from the NFL.com’s Jason LaCanfora, it sounds likely that New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush could be set to depart from the Superdome.

Currently still under contract with the Saints, Bush, 26, is now after a substantial salary which the Saints look unlikely to cough up having just drafted Mark Ingram Jr.

The 2010 Super Bowl winner has already been linked with the Miami Dolphins, who are looking to provide backup to veteran running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. Bush has also been linked with the St Louis Rams and even more interestingly the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Rams have been looking to fill a running back role to supplement top NFL rusher Steven Jackson. They have also been linked with the San Diego Chargers’ Darren Sproles. Bush’s elusive and quick nature would definitely be an interesting contrast to Jackson’s obvious physical talents. The other upside to Reggie Bush is that he is a well-established pass catcher, similar to Jackson, so he would offer another dimension to the Rams’ rapidly developing offence under new coordinator Josh McDaniels.

Judging by current speculation, St Louis appears a more fitting destination for Bush, although admittedly I would welcome Bush to the Eagles. He could be a perfect addition to the offence as a relief running back and punt returner. He could also play a pivotal role on tough downs and would be well-suited to adopting a role equivalent to former Eagles player Brian Westbrook as the battering ram the offence needs.

He does, however, seem to play a very similar role to current running back LeSean McCoy, in that they both have the ability to catch the ball and gain big yardage from pass plays when a quarterback is forced to make a last-second check down. My view is that if the Eagles are looking for a running back to complement McCoy, they would be better suited to chasing after one with more physicality, similar to what the Rams have already.

On reflection it would seem that Bush coming to the Eagles would be more of a luxury rather than a necessity. I think a team such as the Dolphins or Rams, who already have a starved offence, would surely reap the rewards that Bush has to offer more than Philadelphia.