Is Reggie Bush Worth the Money?

The free agency period will be quickly upon us as will the draft. For now we will look at New Orleans’ un-restricted and restricted free agents and see what holes need to be filled. Holes that need to be filled you ask? We don’t have any holes to be filled, we are the Super Bowl Champions! Yep, we are last years Super Bowl winner but this is a new year and the Saints have new needs. Every other NFL team will be looking to upgrade and so will the Saints. It wasn’t that long ago that our beloved New Orleans Saints were considered the doormats of the NFL and we sure don’t want to end up back in that boat.

One of the biggest questions out there is whether the Saints will re-sign running back Reggie Bush. Bush is set to earn 8 million dollars in 2010. And the pundits will be asking, is that too much for someone who is only getting 10-15 touches a game? Since joining the Saints in 2006 Bush has seemed better at running between the sidelines then running between the end zones.

In fact, in 2009 Bush had his lowest production, statistically wise, since joining the Saints. In terms of rushing, he only had 70 attempts which is over a 50 percent drop from his average attempts in 2006 and 2007. His rushing yards (390) was the lowest since joining the team. However, his rushing average (5.6) was his best since becoming a Saint. On the receiving end, those stats dropped as well. His total receptions (47) and receiving yards (335) were both the lowest since the Saints drafted him out of USC.

But with all of that in mind Coach Payton values his contributions to the offense too much for Bush to simply be cut or traded. He is versatile and has great play-making ability. It seems more likely that the Saints will approach Reggie about restructuring his contract rather than simply cutting or trading him.

Now let’s take a look at New Orleans’ team of free agents:

Defensive Linemen Remi Ayodele (Restricted) – Ayodele took over as the starting nose during the season. New Orleans’ run defense improved when he teamed up with Sedrick Ellis on the interior of their line.

Running Back Mike Bell (Unrestricted) – He competed with Pierre Thomas for carries during the first part of the season, but his strong start to the season stalled down the stretch when he aggravated a knee injury.

Tackle Jammal Brown (Restricted) – Brown was placed on IR after undergoing hip and sports hernia surgery. According to Rotoworld he is still one of New Orleans’ top linemen and they expect him to resign with the team.

Tackle Jermon Bushrod (Restricted) – Bushrod did a good job filling in for the injured Jammal Brown at left tackle. It will be interesting to see whether or not the Saints bring one or both of these guys back.

Defensive Linemen Jeff Charleston (Unrestricted) – Plays spot duty as a back-up. Add’s depth at the defensive line position. Recorded 3 sacks in 2008 season but none in 2009.

Tight End Darnell Dinkins (Unrestricted) – Listed as New Orleans’ third tight end, he only caught one pass in 2009.

Guard Jahri Evans (Restricted) – Evans is regarded as one of the league’s best young guards, and he could have had a chance for a big payday if a collective bargaining agreement had been hammered out. As it is now, he will most likely end up back with the Saints on a relatively cheap contract.

Linebacker Scott Fujita (Unrestricted) – Fujita is 31 and not known for his playmaking ability. Still, he has been solid for the Saints and it’s possible that they will bring him back. However, it seems more likely that they’ll try to upgrade the outside linebacker position.

Defensive Linemen Anthony Hargrove (Restricted) – Hargrove is a talented lineman and he was solid in the middle for New Orleans, racking up five sacks and 42 tackles.

Safety Roman Harper (Unrestricted) – Harper excelled under Defensive Coordinator Greg Williams. With free safety Darren Sharper manning centerfield, Harper was asked to play in the box more. He was effective against the run and in blitz packages.

Wide Receiver Courtney Roby (Restricted) – Roby returned kick-offs, but was not involved on the offensive side of the ball.

Safety Darren Sharper (Unrestricted) – Sharper is the active interceptions leader, but he is 34 years of age. New Orleans is expected to approach the free agent about a 2-3 year contract, and if they can’t get a deal done look for the Saints to place the franchise tag on him.

Tight End David Thomas (Unrestricted) – Thomas showed some promise in 2009, and he may get some more opportunities next season.

Running Back Pierre Thomas (Restricted) – Pierre had a career year with 793 rushing yards. Although New Orleans should look at upgrading their backfield, Thomas seems like a logical choice to resign with the team.

Cornerback Leigh Torrence (Restricted) – Defensive Coordinator Greg Williams likes Leigh Torrence, but the Saints are deep at cornerback so if Torrence is even brought back he will be on the roster bubble.

Safety Usama Young (Restricted) – Was the backup free safety before going on IR following a sports hernia.

An Unrestricted Free Agent is a player who has completed four or more accruedseasons and whose contract has expired. An unrestricted free agent may sign with any club, with no compensation owed to his old club, through the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp (generally late July). At that point, his rights revert to his old club if it made a “tender” offer (110 percent of last year’s salary) to him by June 1. His old club then has until the Tuesday after the 10th week of the season to re-sign him. If he does not sign by then, he must sit out the season. If no tender is offered by June 1, the player can be signed by any club at any time throughout the season.

A Restricted Free Agent is a player who has completed three accrued seasons and whose contract has expired. He is free to negotiate with any club through the free agent signing period. If he accepts an offer sheet from a new club, his old club can match the offer and retain him, or not match the offer and possibly receive draft-choice compensation depending on the amount of its qualifying offer. If an offer sheet is not executed, the player’s rights revert to his old club after the free agent signing period ends.