Reggie Bush is the Perfect Complement to Carlos Hyde in San Francisco 49ers Backfield
By Seth Lassen
@Seth_Lassen
Getty Images
After Frank Gore, the franchise’s all-time career rushing leader, signed with the Indianapolis Colts earlier this week, the San Francisco 49ers were left with an opening in their backfield. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the 49ers filled that hole today and have signed former Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush.
Reggie Bush and 49ers reached agreement, per sources. Bush back in California.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2015
With only Carlos Hyde and Kendall Hunter on the depth chart at the position, the 49ers desperately needed to add another running back. Hyde, last year’s second-round pick out of Ohio State, is still expected to get the bulk of the carries next season. Bush will likely be the change of pace back, along with Hunter, who is returning from two consecutive season-ending injuries.
Bush was released by the Lions on Feb. 25 after he played in just 11 games last season due to a lingering ankle injury. 2014 was by far the worst season of the former No. 2 overall pick’s career. He gained just 297 yards rushing and 253 receiving yards on the season. The 49ers hope to get the same type of production out of Bush that the Lions got in 2013. That season, the former USC Trojans star set a career-high with 1,512 yards from scrimmage.
The addition of Bush could mark a change in offensive philosophy for the 49ers under new head coach Jim Tomsula and offensive coordinator Geep Chryst. Under Jim Harbaugh, the 49ers rarely incorporated running backs into the passing game. Since 2011, all 49er tailbacks have 123 receptions – 49 fewer than Bush has in that same time period. Bush’s 466 career receptions lead all active running backs.
Known for his speed and big play ability, Bush is the perfect complement to the bigger, bulkier Hyde. The 49ers drafted Hyde, who most draft pundits considered the top back in the draft, last year to eventually take over for Gore and be the starter. If one of Bush or Hunter can stay healthy next season, the 49ers shouldn’t see much of a drop off in their running game.
Seth Lassen is a writer for RantSports. “Like” him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @Seth_Lassen.
Eagles Shouldn't Trade Mychal Kendricks
Even though the rumors are swirling about Mychal Kendricks' future with the Philadelphia Eagles, don't expect him to go anywhere. Read More
5 Biggest Raiders Draft Needs One Week Into FA
Now that free agency has calmed down, get a better understanding of the Oakland Raiders’ most pressing positional needs for the upcoming draft. Read More
Patriots Should Pursue CB Tillman
See why the addition of free agent cornerback Charles Tillman would help the New England Patriots to recover from the losses of Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. Read More
5 Biggest Pats Draft Needs After FA’s First Week
Get a better understanding of the Patriots’ top positional priorities as the May draft approaches. Read More
Grading 49ers Week1 Free Agent Additions
Before the San Francisco 49ers hit the 2015 NFL free agency, they had a lot of positions needing to be filled. Now that Week 1 of free agency has passed, some of their questions have been answered. Read More
5 Biggest Losers of Free Agency in First 5 Days
The 2015 NFL free-agency period has been nuts, and a lot of teams have really improved. However, that means someone is getting worse. Which fives teams have made the poorest decisions so far? Read More
5 Biggest Winners of Free Agency in First 5 Days
We're not even a week into free agency, and already this period has been absolutely ridiculous! That said, who have been the most successful teams thus far? See the top five here. Read More
5 Potential Landing Spots For Greg Jennings
The Minnesota Vikings just cut Greg Jennings loose. Here are five teams poised to ink this newly-available veteran wideout. Read More
Dolphins Should Trade Down In Draft
The Mike Wallace trade left the Dolphins without a true No. 1 wide receiver, but what does that really mean for Miami in the first round of the Draft? Read More
There's Life After Wallace For Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have rid themselves of the biggest offseason distraction looming over the team, but what will life be like in the post Mike Wallace era? Read More
Jaguars Right To Gamble On Thomas
Julius Thomas needs to be more than a one-dimensional tight end to make the Jaguars a contender. Read More
Tannenbaum Has Made Mark On Dolphins
Whether you agree with the moves that Mike Tannenbaum has made this offseason or not, he has gone for broke in his first year on the job. Read More