Nate Burleson tries to convince Reggie Bush to sign with the Lions

The Detroit Lions are in need of help at the running back position, and the name Reggie Bush seems to keep coming up in association with their backfield. Although he once again showed that he is susceptible to injury last season, Bush played in all 16 regular season game with the Miami Dolphins and nearly rushed for 1,000 yards. He also hauled in 35 receptions out of the backfield.

While I highly doubt Bush is capable of remaining healthy and being effective as an every-down back, he could be a nice fit in an offense that throws the ball a lot like Detroit’s. That’s why Lions receiver Nate Burleson is trying to recruit him.

“I’m going to just say this, ‘Reggie Bush, you already took your talents to South Beach, come on to Detroit,'” Burleson told NFL Network’s NFL AM on Monday morning, via Around the League. “He still has that legend behind him. … And if I can get Reggie Bush in a Detroit Lions uniform, ooh-wee, watch out.”

It’s a nice idea, but it may not be that simple. As Around The League’s Chris Wesseling pointed out, Detroit is currently just $2 million below the projected salary cap for the 2013 season. There Lions have 23 unrestricted free agents on their roster, so they will have to take care of some of their own in addition to seeing what’s available. At age 27 and coming off his two best seasons as a pro, Bush is going to look to cash in on what should be the final big contract of his career.

The Lions were a disappointing 4-12 last season, but their record is not a good indicator of where they’re at as a team. They have some holes — mostly on defense — and very little money. With the way Joique Bell emerged as a viable running back option toward the end of last season, they might be best suited spending their limited funds elsewhere.

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