Could Reggie Bush Help the Browns?
The Cleveland Browns have three young running backs that will be going into their second year next season. Last year the team signed Ben Tate as a veteran back to join the young guys, could Reggie Bush be that guy this year? Bush was cut by the Lions today per Adam Schefter:
Lions cut RB Reggie Bush, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 25, 2015
The Tate experiment failed quickly for the Browns but much of that had to do with Tate’s attitude and health. Fit was also an issue as Tate and young backs Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West were very similar backs, none were considered change of pace backs. Tate, looking to finally have a team of his own to carry the load, after sitting behind Arian Foster with the Houston Texans, bristled at sharing the 1st and 2nd down snaps. The backs also didn’t fit well in any version of a two back set either.
Bush on the other hand fits the ideal 3rd down back role very well and could compliment Crowell, West and Glenn Winston very well. Bush will hit the dreaded 30 year old running back mark in a few days, March 2nd, but hasn’t had the wear and tear that most backs his age have. Bush has only carried the ball over 200 times a season three time in his 9 year career. Those three years, 2011-2013, were his best seasons rushing with two season over 1,000 yards and the third only 14 yards shy of that mark.
Where Bush really can make a difference though is in the passing game. Reggie has had four season of over 50 receptions, pretty remarkable for a back. Last year with the Lions he was only able to play 11 games due to injury but still had 40 receptions. According to him, and Omar Kelly, he could have been used more in the passing game in his two seasons with the Lions:
Reggie Bush pointed out that the coaches could have used him more effectively by incorporating him in the passing game. He was right!
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) February 25, 2015
Now that Bush is a free agent he will be much sought after. He is the prototype of a 3rd down back, when healthy, and the threat he presents can draw a ton of attention. It will be interesting if Bush decides to seek the most money available, which likely isn’t much given the last few years of free agency as a standard for backs, or looks to go to a winning situation where he can be used.
The Browns could be the first but would be laughed at by Bush and his agents if they try to present as the second. For the Browns, Bush could find himself used in a variety of ways. The team could obviously use him on third downs and as the “scatback” but he could also find time as a slot receiver split out. The Browns present opportunities in both areas and could also use him in two back sets with one of the Browns young backs as well.
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There are a number of quality backs that could hit the free agent market. With his injury history, has only played in 16 games twice in his career, Reggie Bush may not get the early, quick attention. Last season the Lions only gave him the ball 76 times for under 300 yards, though his 3.9 yards per carry average was decent. His 40 catches also didn’t result in more than 300 yards or any touchdowns.
With those kind of numbers the Browns could be better off going in another direction if the money goes higher than they would like. If the financial side stays realistic, Bush seems to fill the needs the team seems to have in the backfield. Browns fans shouldn’t get their hopes up that Bush will sign, nor should they have big hopes if he does sign. He would fill a role but would not be a game changer.
What do you think of Reggie Bush coming to Cleveland now that he is a free agent?