Report: Saints interested in re-signing Rafael Bush, who’s set to visit Lions
Rafael Bush is set to visit the Detroit Lions, but the New Orleans Saints have also expressed an interest in brining him back, reports say.
Sean Fazende of Fox 8 New Orleans reported the Saints are interested in re-signing Rafael Bush. However, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said the safety will be making a trip out to Detroit on Friday.
Saints have expressed an interest in bringing S Rafael Bush back, source says.
— Sean FazendeFOX8 (@SeanFazendeFOX8) March 10, 2016
#Saints S Rafael Bush is visiting the #Lions tomorrow, source said. They continue to try to add players on D.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2016
When healthy (major emphasis on the word ‘when’), Rafael Bush has proven to be a valuable commodity as the Saints’ backup safety and as a special teams contributor. But he hasn’t played a full season since 2012, his first year in New Orleans after stints with the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos.
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Bush took over starting duties in 2014 in place of the injured Jairus Byrd. However, his season was also cut short after ten games due to a leg injury. He missed all of 2015 after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. He has missed 21 regular season games since 2013, which means the Saints may not be willing to re-sign him if the Lions make an offer that would lose New Orleans’ interest.
Rafael Bush, who garnered a lot of love from Saints fans after laying out Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin in the 2013 NFC Divisional Playoff loss, is known for is physicality. That can without question take a toll on the human body, unfortunately. Since joining the Saints in 2012, he has tallied 121 combined tackles, eight passes defended, one sack, one forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries.
New Orleans may have to pass on Rafael Bush if the defense and special teams-needy Lions ‘show him the money.’ Those No. 25 Reggie Bush jerseys that Saints fans kept around (Rafael also wore No. 25) might not be of use anymore.