Detroit Lions Release Reggie Bush

Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew wouldn’t tip his hand regarding Reggie Bush‘s future with the team when meeting with the media at the NFL Combine last week. Mayhew’s vague non-answers led to reports that the Lions had not made up their mind whether Bush would stay or go for the 2015 season, but the situation was made clear today. The Detroit Lions have released Reggie Bush.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to report the news.

Bush’s release was quickly confirmed by the team via press release:

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"The Detroit Lions announced today that they have released RB Reggie Bush.After joining the team as an unrestricted free agent from Miami in 2013, Bush played in 25 games (23 starts) for the Lions and totaled 299 carries for 1,303 yards (4.4 avg) and six touchdowns, while also grabbing 94 passes for 759 yards (8.1 avg) and three touchdowns. Last season, Bush finished with 76 carries for 297 yards (3.9 avg) and two touchdowns, as well as 40 receptions for 253 yards. His 40 receptions ranked third on the team.Originally drafted No. 2 overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2006 NFL Draft after concluding his career at Southern California, Bush played five seasons with the Saints (2006-10) before spending two seasons with the Miami Dolphins (2011-12). In nine NFL seasons, Bush has started 94 of 116 games and logged 1,266 carries for 5,465 yards (4.3 avg) and 35 touchdowns. As a receiver, his career totals include 466 receptions for 3,489 yards (7.5 avg) and 18 touchdowns."

Bush was set to enter the third year of the four-year deal he signed with the Lions prior to the 2013 season in which he would have counted over $5.2 million against the 2015 salary cap. His release saves the Lions about $1.7 million with $3.5 million remaining on the books in dead money.

Running backs like Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon were already showing up in mock drafts as darkhorse picks for the Lions and that will become even more commonplace, although it remains to be see if the Lions would actually use a first round pick on a running back. As he has made a habit of doing since becoming the Lions’ general manager, fans can expect Mayhew to select the best player available when the Lions are on the clock.

Next: When to Draft a Running Back

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