May 22, 2013; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush (21) during organized team activities at Lions training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Reggie Bush says he signed with the Detroit Lions to win Super Bowl championships. Yeah, let that sink in for a second. A NFL free agent, and a relatively desired and pursued free agent, signed with the Detroit Lions to win championships.

First of all, the Detroit Lions have never even made it to the Super Bowl. The only NFC team to never play in a Super Bowl. The Detroit Lions have only ever made it to one NFC Championship game, and were crushed by the Washington Redskins.

“I came here to work,” Bush said, via the Detroit News. “I didn’t come here to vacation. I came here to win championships, to win football games, and that’s what I look forward to doing.”

So does that mean he went to the Miami Dolphins to vacation? Or to be around Kim Kardashian when her reality circus, I mean show, comes to Miami?

“Some guys have been asking me, ‘How was Miami? How was South Beach,’” he said. “I tell them, you know, it’s nice but if the football isn’t right, it doesn’t matter where you are at. If your work isn’t right, you are not going to be happy. As long as we take care of business here, this can be an amazing place. I think it has a lot to offer. I look forward to getting into that stadium and hearing those fans be as loud as ever.”

But this isn’t the Lions of old, they have a chance to actually win. They have a solid, when healthy, quarterback in Matt Stafford. The best receiver in the league, and not to mention the self proclaimed best defensive tackle tandem in the NFL. Reggie Bush fills a void and provides a quality running back and he could be the missing piece of the equation.

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

McCalebb was clocked with blazing unofficial forty times of 4.21 and 4.27 at the 2013 NFL Combine, and the first time would have broken Chris Johnson‘s combine record. Instead, his official time was docked down to a 4.34 time, which was a bit low for McCalebb. While at Auburn’s pro day, he ran a forty time of 4.29 and showed off that signature speed. He also showed up well on the bench press and broad jump, with his vertical coming in at an impressive 37-inches.

One of the fastest players in this draft, McCalebb has boosted his stock from a UDFA-type player to a late-round pick. McCalebb isn’t a heralded prospect by any means, but the small back is definitely heralded for his speed. He also has the versatility to play in the defensive backfield, make plays as a pass-catcher (something the Lions covet), and he can even play on special teams.

The Auburn product has compared himself to Dexter McCluster, and it is that all-purpose ability that makes him appealing to so many teams- especially the Detroit Lions. Last season, McCalebb averaged a tad over six yards per carry and showed some explosive ability on returns. McCalebb prides himself on his ability to be an all-purpose back, and he sounds especially proud of his sub-4.30 speed.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Dec 9, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush (22) reacts after the play against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions landed one of the most prized free agents, dual threat running back Reggie Bush. He brings balance to an offense that has relied heavily on Calvin Johnson.

“It’s a running back’s dream,” Bush said, via Pro Football Talk. “That’s the first thing we talked about, when we were watching film. To see those safeties deep, see those safeties rolling over double covering Calvin Johnson, it’s a running back’s dream. We have to be able to run the ball in that situation. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to come here, to be able to bring a balanced attack and help take some of the pressure off Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford and just complement them. I think it’s going to work out well.”

The attention Calvin Johnson will command after his monster year could do wonders for the running game with Reggie Bush, even the short pass routes in the flats.

“I’ve done three or four carries a game, I’ve done 20, 25 carries a game,” Bush said. “I’m comfortable when we win. That’s what I’m most comfortable with and that’s what I’m here for is to help this team win. I’m not so much worried about my personal stats. I’m at the point in my career now where winning is the most important to me.”

In New Orleans he caught more passes and was more a weapon of the passing game. In Miami he proved he was a 1,000 yard rusher. But Jim Schwartz said it wasn’t necessarily his talent that made him so desirable.

“We already knew his talent, we could see that talent on film and we knew how that talent fit our offense,” Schwartz said. “The thing that we didn’t know is what a good guy he is, what a humble person he is, and what a student of the game he is. We think he’s going to fit real well with the rest of our locker room.”

It still remains how the Lions will use him but I don’t think anyone is doubting that it will work.

Dec 16, 2012; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush (22) during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

It’s official, after months of speculation and begging from Nate Burleson, Reggie Bush is officially a member of the Detroit Lions. Pro Football Talk reported the news on their Twitter feed.

Lions and Reggie Bush agrees to terms, according to NFL source.

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 13, 2013

When you bring in a highly coveted free agent like Reggie Bush, you don’t let him leave with out a deal, and thats what the Lions did when Bush came to town.

Reportedly it is a 4 year deal but the financial terms haven’t been released yet. And the enthusiasm around Detroit is abound as they eagerly and quickly scheduled a press conference for 1:45 ET today.

Reggie Bush brings balance to a offense that was very one dimensional. If the Minnesota Vikings ran their offense through Adrian Peterson, the Lions ran their offense through Calvin Johnson, who almost had 2,000 yards receiving. By bringing in Reggie Bush, it could balance out the offense and free up Megatron even more.

That is scary.

It also provides Matthew Stafford a check down receiver in Reggie Bush who we saw was explosive catching the ball in the flats at USC and earlier in his career in New Orleans.

Dec. 23, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quartet against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Nate Burleson campaigned for Reggie Bush to sign with the Detroit Lions. It looks like all that public pleading has worked.

“I’m going to just say this, ‘Reggie Bush, you already took your talents to South Beach, come on to Detroit,’” Burleson said about a month ago. “I know it’s not as sunny, and it might not be the same type of glitz and glamor, but you can do wonders for us.”

ESPN’s NFL Insider and professional tweeter Adam Schefter went on SportsCenter and said that the Detroit Lions expect to sign 3 players today: Reggie Bush, Jason Jones and Glover Quin.

Jason Jones is a defensive end who played in Seattle, but interestingly enough was born in Detroit. He also played at Eastern Michigan so this is a homecoming of sorts.

Glover Quin is a safety from the Houston Texans and a one time AFC defensive player of the week.

Reggie Bush and Glover Quin are supposedly at the facilities today.

Rotoworld reported the following:

“Citing people around the league, Schefter reported that the Lions hope to make each of these moves “in one fell swoop,” creating a free-agent splash. Detroit already locked up CB Chris Houston on Wednesday morning. Jones, Bush, and Quin are all at Lions headquarters visiting club officials and taking physicals.”

UPDATE:

DT Jason Jones agreed to a deal with the Lions, according to his agent, Mike McCartney.

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 13, 2013

Dec 30, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush (22) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Reggie Bush is easily one of the most coveted free agent running backs on the free agent market. The Arizona Cardinals just released Beanie Wells and were said to be one of the NLF teams that were going to pursue the former USC star.

XTRA Phoenix’s Mike Jurecki ended all that speculation with a short tweet: “Bush isn’t coming to AZ.”

I can’t imagine a top flight free agent being interested in the mess that is the Arizona Cardinals. They started 4 different quarterbacks last season, including one they didn’t sign until December. But rumors are coming out that Reggie Bush will sign a deal today, and the favorite to land bush is the Detroit Lions.

Maybe all that campaigning from Nate Burleson got the job done. He adds a different dimension to their offense that should make them a more well rounded offense. This would certainly free up Calvin Johnson, aka Megatron. Though he still ran over defenses despite being the focal point of their offense.

Bush supposedly is set to sign shortly after the free agency period opens at 4PM.

The Cardinals are supposedly instead turning their attention towards former Pittsburgh Steelers Rashard Mendenhall. That seems more like  fitting, a scrap part being picked up by a team who is collecting scraps and duck taping a team together.

Good fan turned bad owner: Dan Snyder.  (Photo by Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports)

It’s about that time when NFL teams and fans are focusing on free agency so I thought instead of yet another Top 5 Free Agents list or a Top 5 Landing Spots for Free Agent Star list, I would look at this years crop of free agents through the lens of Washington owner Dan Snyder’s googly eyes when he use to throw big money at big-name players before he finally handed the reins to Mike Shanahan and GM Bruce Allen.

We know all about Snyder’s costly missteps from Adam Archuletta and Jeff George to Brandon Lloyd and Albert Haynesworth. His track record is so bad that I actually forgot he signed Deion Sanders to a 7-year $56-million deal in 2000.

So, who would be on his wish list this year if he hadn’t given Shanahan and Allen control so he could focus on scheming new ways to charge more for parking or funding research to invent new ice cubes that would increase his stadium soda profits by another dollar per cup? Well it’s not as simple as just taking the Top 10 most coveted free agents and declaring that to be the list. It’s a little more nuanced. There needs to be that right mix of being just a bit too old and/or overrated, or maybe players who were still in their prime but just demanding too much money.

We’ll be realistic and rule out Ravens free agent QB Joe Flacco not only because he’s no-doubt staying in Baltimore, but also for the fact that he’s just not flashy enough, or old enough, and for the first time in the Snyder era Washington is set at QB.

Adding a tackle to the offensive line is area of need in DC, and there are a couple of stud free agent linemen available (Jake Long or Ryan Clady), but adding one of them might be considered smart, and therefore disqualified as possible Snyder signings. And while Long and Clady are big names with price tags to match (the main criteria for Snyder), offensive linemen don’t put butts in seats or sell jerseys.

Let’s stick to free agent signings and rule out trades for the likes of salty diva CB Darrelle Revis (an otherwise perfect storm of Guy Who Wants Big Money and a team in need of a cornerback) as well as his soon-to-be-former Jets teammate Tim Tebow (who Snyder would probably acquire in hopes of reversing the bad karma of the Redskins offensive nickname).

So, in no particular order, here are the top 10 free agents that Snyder would sign if only Shanahan and Allen would let him:

Ed Reed
Perfect fit: Washington needs a safety, and he’s a future Hall-of-Famer, a Super Bowl champ, and at 34 his best years are behind him. He’s “considered” retiring (a ploy to skip training camp) the last couple of off-seasons and now that he’s got his ring he’s likely looking for one last payday and certainly wouldn’t mind getting “some of that Dan Snyder money” as veteran NFL players like to say.

Reggie Bush
Washington doesn’t have a glaring need at RB with young star Alfred Morris in the house, but Bush is flashy on the field and famous off it. He’s not a great match for this list (he’s only 28 and still played well last season) but this would be a delicious debacle since Bush still sees himself as an every-down back and in Washington he’d only be a change-of-pace guy to spell Morris. Oh, who am I kidding, he would be a classic Snyder signing the minute they overpaid him.

Osi Umenyiora
There’s already some talent along the defensive line in Washington, and it’s one of the deepest positions in the upcoming draft (where players come much younger and cheaper). But Osi Human Urine is a big name on the wrong side of 30 from a division rival. Done and done.

Mike Wallace
Probably too young (26) and talented for our criteria, but a guy looking for a payday + blazing speed + a tendency for drops = Snyder gold.

Wes Welker
He’s 5 years older than Wallace. Perfect.

Brian Urlacher
With Washington LB London Fletcher still contemplating retirement, bringing in this former monster of the midway at age 35 would be right in Snyder’s wheelhouse. Injured; slowing down; another city’s star. Sign him up.

Randy Moss
Hall of Famer, infamous for his poor work ethic, 36 years old, makes highlight reels and lots of money and makes coaches and QB’s miserable. How has he not already played for Washington?

Dwight Freeney
Hot name heading into free agency, already been in the league 10 years, satisfied with a Super Bowl ring, looking for one last payday after his own team released him. Starting to see a pattern here.

Tony Gonzalez
Certainly fits the Snyder profile of old and legendary, but he’s still playing too well and is hungry for a ring. Actually, scratch him and bring in an over-the-hill Charles Woodson for top dollar instead.

Finally, as previously mentioned, Washington doesn’t need a QB or a backup QB… but fans in DC better hope Snyder doesn’t take the wheel back from Shanahan and Allen. He’d probably trade Kirk Cousins and their next first-round pick (2015) for Revis… and if RGIII’s knee doesn’t heal, Snyder has JaMarcus Russell‘s agent on speed dial. (Hey, he was a #1 overall pick!)

Sept. 30, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush (22) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

There is a long list of talent when it comes to the running back position and there are a handful of teams who need help in the backfield. Not only can Reggie Bush line up in the backfield, he is also a threat in other positions on the field. Back in college, attending the University of Southern California, whenever Reggie Bush touched the ball, you knew what you were about to see was special.

Being in the league for 6 seasons, the 27 year old veteran out of Spring Valley, California has picked up 4,162 career rushing yards along with 29 career touchdowns. We all know what Reggie has to offer teams who are looking to get an upgrade on offense and also special teams.

When it comes to being a receiving, he has proven to be one of the best receiving backs in the game. Picking up 2,730 receiving yards and 15 career touchdowns averaging 7.3 yards a reception.

Spending 4 seasons in New Orleans and only 2 in Miami, Reggie is looking for his 3rd team in his short career. I’m sure he is hoping the next team he signs with, will be the team he chooses to retire with. Now enough talk, let’s get down to business, shall we? Starting off with #1 of course.

1. Arizona Cardinals - This team is in great need of a running back who can stay healthy and produce when their number is called. Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower were drafted by the Cardinals hoping they would be their premiere backs. Not only did Tim Hightower move on after 2 seasons, but now it looks as if Beanie Wells time in Arizona is soon to be over also. So bringing in Reggie Bush, who has produced for both the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins, would give them an extra kick on an offense that looks as if it is starting from scratch.

2. Detroit Lions - This team has NOT had a consistent back ever since Barry Sanders called it quits after 10 seasons in the league. I’m not saying you are going to go out there and find another Barry Sanders, there will never be another great like him. But going through running backs like the Chicago Bears did quarterbacks, is not a good thing. Especially when NOW your franchise quarterback is pretty much throwing the ball the whole game when he has a history of injuring his throwing arm. If they can clear enough cap space, Detroit could possibly be a favorite to land them a new running back.

3. Kansas City  Chiefs - Yeah, again I know what you are thinking, they need a quarterback. Well check this out, if the 49ers end up wanting to shop Alex Smith or possibly release him? They could make a run at both players before they bring in their 1st round pick (If you haven’t checked out our mock drafts, please do so). Kansas City have a premiere back in Jamaal Charles but everybody behind him couldn’t really keep up their end of the bargain, cough cough, Peyton Hillis. So this is yet another offense looking to start fresh and look to be a contender in the AFC. Remember Dante Hall? Yeah, pretty much Reggie Bush in a bigger body and different position. Just trying to compare the speed and return ability, heckle me if you must. What better way to start your new and improved Kansas City Chiefs offense by possibly franchise tagging Bowe, bringing in Alex Smith and Reggie Bush to accompany Jamaal Charles in the run game.

4. Green Bay Packers - This team will definitely make my list or any of my colleagues list(s) when it comes to teams needing a running back who can take some edge off of Aaron Rodgers. Last season they brought in former Chicago Bear Cedric Benson and took another shot with Ryan Grant who rushed for back to back 1 thousand yard seasons back in 2008 and 2009 before being cut in 2011. The back field for Green Bay has always been mixed up cause of injuries, so consistency in that position was always a question mark after Ahman Green made his final stint with the Packers in 2009 (he only rushed for 160 yards) before spending 7 seasons with them before leaving to Houston for 2 seasons. This last season, they lined Cobb up in the half back position and had some somewhat success with it. Right now I think the Packers are gonna be looking at Stephen Jackson, Reggie Bush and Ahmad Bradshaw to fill this spot.

5. Buffalo Bills - Yeah they have C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson, but last season they were both injured, one with a shoulder injury and the other with a knee injury. This hurt their running game BAD, trying to find the right person to fill in and stay healthy. It wouldn’t hurt to add another speedy running back to this mix, but playing time would be an issue. Just seeing that their two top backs were injured and nobody really to fall back on, Reggie could be that person if the same were to happen next season. Yeah he may fumble here and there but when he doesn’t he can help move the chains.  The man can catch, return, take the ball out of the backfield and is only 27 years old with a Super Bowl under his belt. What Buffalo Bills fan wouldn’t want him? No seriously, if you Bills fans disagree with me on this, please let me know in the comments.

Dec. 23, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush (22) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions have a solid quarterback in Matt Stafford, they have a all time great at wide receiver in Calvin “Megatron” Johnson, but Nate Burleson wants them to add more weapons. This is uncharacteristic of a wide receiver, who usually are selfish drama filled players who just want the ball more themselves.

Remember Terrell Owens forming a coup in Dallas because Tony Romo threw more passes to Jason Witten?

Anyways, Nate Burleson went on NFL AM this morning and utilized the platform to make his pitch to the running back.

“I’m going to just say this, ‘Reggie Bush, you already took your talents to South Beach, come on to Detroit,’” Burleson said. “I know it’s not as sunny, and it might not be the same type of glitz and glamor, but you can do wonders for us.”

These quotes were taken from an article Dave Birkett wrote for the Detroit Free Press about the interview this morning. Birkett suggests that Javhid Best’s career might be ending prematurely due to concussion issues leaving the Lions in need of a compliment to Mikel Leshoure.

Bush has proven over his career to be a dual threat, he compiled three 5o catch seasons in his career and has rushed for over 2,000 yards in the past two seasons.

“Reggie Bush has proven that he’s still explosive, and me and (Steelers safety Ryan Clark, who also appeared on the show) talked about it off air: He still has that legend behind him,” Burleson said. “He came from USC, and everybody knows he can go out there and shake a little bit, wiggle a little bit and break that big run. And for him to put up two 1,000-yard seasons the last couple years proves that he’s still an elite running back. And if I can get Reggie Bush in a Detroit Lions uniform, ooh-wee, watch out.”

Nov 11, 2012; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush (22) on the bench in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

During the Miami Dolphins embarrassing 37-3 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, starting running back Reggie Bush was told to have a seat.

Bush got just five touches before losing a fumble and then when benched for the remainder of the game.

While an athletes ego could cause him to be enraged by a benching, Bush knew that it was the right decision and said that he needs to do his job better moving forward.

“I didn’t deserve to be back in there,” Bush said. “I fumbled the ball and I’ve had two fumbles lost this year. I have to do a better job of protecting the ball. I’ve been in this league long enough to know protecting the ball is the most important thing as a running back.”

After a hot start to the season, Bush’s production has dramatically declined. In the past six games, Bush has carried the ball 76 times and has a mere 252 yards.

In the team’s first three games, Bush had 302 yards and two touchdowns.

Bush claims that the knee injury he suffered earlier in the season has had no impact on his performance, but the drastic drop off in his numbers would suggest otherwise.