Lions Offering Bush Starting Role

The Detroit Lions, hungry for a running back with speed and pass-catching ability to team up with thumper Mikel LeShoure, have promised free agent running back Reggie Bush an opportunity to start.

In 2012 Bush rushed 227 times for 986 yards and six touchdowns, while proving adept at scoring near the goal line in a full-time role. He also caught 35 passes for 289 yards and two scores. A source close to Bush told Yahoo! Sports "Reggie has a tough decision to go through. He's very careful about how he considers these situations. He asks a lot of questions and wants to know all the ins and outs about how a team wants to use him. But, you know, in his heart, he wants to play all the time."

The Lions running game was limited last year, ranking 23^rd in rushing yards (1,613), 18^th in yards per rush (4.1), and 25^th in rushing attempts (391). They have also lacked a home run threat out of the backfield since losing Jahvid Best six games into the 2011 season with a concussion that may force him to quit football. LeShoure piled up 798 yards and nine touchdowns last season but his longest rush was a mere 16 yards. Bush's longest rush last year was a 65-yard touchdown against the Oakland Raiders.

In a Detroit offense with Calvin Johnson, Brandon Pettigrew and promising young wide receiver Ryan Broyles, Bush could elevate them to their 2011 levels when they looked like one of the top offenses in the NFL. One NFC defensive coordinator thinks Bush could add a lot of explosiveness to the Lions, who regressed along with their quarterback Matthew Stafford. "I don't think you have to redraw your entire defense, but you have to be aware of where he is and you have to have a plan," the coordinator said. I was surprised to see how well he handled all the carries he got in Miami, especially without a lot of talent around him."

Other teams reportedly interested in Bush's services are the Arizona Cardinals who just released Beanie Wells, the Washington Redskins, and Cincinnati Bengals.