Reggie Bush Signs With Lions

The Detroit Lions have signed Reggie Bush to a four year deal. The former first round pick will be going to his third NFL team in four years

Teams are wasting no time in free agency signing their biggest targets. Early reports had the Lions targeting Reggie Bush. Two days into free agency they got their man.

Reggie Bush should be the unquestioned starting running back in Detroit. A team known more for passing than running, the Lions were desperately in need of a pass catching running back with playmaking ability. That’s exactly what Bush is.

Over his career, Reggie Bush has rushed for 1,000 yards once, and came up 14 yards short last season with Miami. He never rushed for more than 600 yards in New Orleans, but was used in the passing game and was integral in the Saints’ Super Bowl victory in 2009. He has never had less than 30 catches in a season.

Details of Reggie Bush’s four year contract with the Lions have not been released, but it should be a nice raise from the two year, $10 million contract he just finished with the Dolphins. Miami likely moved on from Reggie Bush because they saw him as too expensive.

Reggie Bush signing in Detroit should signal the end of Jahvid Best’s time with the Lions. Best had become too much of a question mark after concussions ended his season last year, and have now brought his whole career into question.

The Lions have a number of running backs to utilize around Reggie Bush. Mikel Leshoure will probably be their short yardage running back, and if Mike Bell is re-signed he will compliment Bush in the passing game.

Here’s Adam Schefter discussing the signing:

Coming off a 4-12 season, Bush should help make the Lions a playoff threat again. In 2011 Detroit finished 10-6 with Matthew Stafford setting passing records. In 2012 Stafford was relied on to make every play. Reggie Bush should lighten the load and help re-balance the offense. It looks like 2013 could be a great year for Detroit.

Are you surprised Reggie Bush signed with Detroit? Is he a good fit in the Lions offense?