Lions: Near 30, Bush let go

There is a perception that running backs are no longer effective after the age of 30. Reggie Bush is less than a week away from hitting that mark, and the Lions have set him free to find a new team.

His stay in Detroit lasted two seasons. Injuries, as well as the success of other backs, limited him to just 927 snaps in that time. Historically, his strength has been as a receiving back, but Detroit had the league leader in Yards Per Route Run for a back in Theo Riddick at 2.45. Joique Bell also outplayed him as a receiver, which began to diminish Bush’s role. The move should open up Riddick to receive more playing time, as well as potentially another back coming in through the draft or free agency to help more on running downs.

When Bush was on the field with the Lions, his production was anywhere from average to above average. This past year he graded out positively both running with the ball as well as receiving. Even though he is one of the oldest remaining running backs in the league, it wouldn’t at all be surprising to see him latch on elsewhere — not every team has a back who is as good receiving out of the backfield as Bush.

Although the cut results in some dead money, it also frees up some cap space which the Lions will likely use to help make their run at re-signing Ndamukong Suh to a long-term deal.