The Buffalo Bills are close to signing Free Agent RB Reggie Bush, who is expected to visit their training camp in Rochester NY, today to take a physical. The Bills are in dire need of backfield help with LeSean McCoy and Karlos Williams both experiencing injuries. If Bush can pass the physical, he will add another offensive option that can help push the Bills to the top of the AFC East.
To some fans, Bush is the player that entered the NFL with loads of hype but has never blossomed into that many envisioned he could be, a star. Bush has been in the league 10 years, and as a featured back he has surpassed 1000 yards just twice, but his true value to a team comes in the passing game and special teams. While with New Orleans he helped the Saints to a Super Bowl victory but when he got with the Dolphins they wanted to use him more as the featured back. Injuries have been a mainstay during his career as he has only played a full season twice in 10 years.
What can he add to the Bills is the question most fans will ask.
He has never been a 25+ carry type player but for a QB like Tyrod Taylor, and the locker room he will be a blessing. Bush has won, he has been a part of winning franchises, there has been no off the field issues, or major character problems since entering the league (college was college). For a team that has had their share of off the field issues, Bush will be a welcome sight. With McCoy and Williams dealing with injuries Bush will provide leadership to Taylor and the rest of the young offensive players.
If the Bills were to keep him for the rest of the season, things could get interesting. Field position in the NFL is everything and with Bush, on the receiving end of punts and kickoffs, they have a great shot to take pressure off the offense as well as put fear into the hearts of punters. Bush will not take carries away from McCoy or Williams, but he will provide another weapon on third down for Taylor. The Bills offense, with McCoy, has not taken advantage of the short passing game as McCoy totaled only 32 receptions last season. If OC Greg Roman can somehow transition a short game into the scheme, the Bills will have one of the best attacks in the NFL.
You can smirk at the Bush signing, but he is a great insurance policy that brings leadership and a winning attitude to a team in search of such.