St. Louis Rams Free Agent Options: Michael Bush

by Tevin Broner on Feb 12, 2012 1:24 PM CST

Finally it's the off-season. This has been my favorite time of the year since 2004. Everyone has the same record and a chance to create a good team. With free agency coming up, the Rams can add some key players to their 2-14 team.

What better place to improve a team than addressing the running back position? You can get a good quality backup running back, possibly even a starter at bargain prices. Jeff Fisher's team is going to run the ball this year. Sam Bradford will be transitioning into yet another new offense in 2012. Try as they might, the Rams won't be able to completely upgrade their offense at every position of need in a single off season.

Adding Michael Bush to the Rams roster may be a great move in that direction...

Bush he has been sharing the spotlight with Darren McFadden for four years in Oakland, getting few headlines along the way. If the Rams decide to add Bush, they will be adding a player who is used to being a backup. Yet Bush has the talent to step in and start when need be. Steven Jackson isn't a spring chicken anymore. Even though he will hate having to share the ball, it will be for the better of the team.

In 2010, Bush and McFadden both had productive numbers. McFadden rushed for 1,000 plus yards on 223 carries and Bush ran for 655 yards on 158 carries. In 2012, Bush ran for 977 yards and replaced Darren McFadden after his injury in week 7.

If the Raiders don't retain Bush, the Rams should pursue him. Bush will be the perfect backup to Steven Jackson and he will help the Rams become a more effective rushing team.

Greg Papa & Lorenzo Neal on Michael Bush (via RaiderClipz)

Poll

Is finding a second running back high on your list of St. Louis Rams' needs?

Yes, we need better RB depth

362 votes

No, I'd rather look to the NFL Draft for a new RB

216 votes

We have greater needs to address... Now, did I see something about Cheetos on another post?

85 votes

663 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | 33 comments

Comments

Good idea...

and then draft Isaiah Pead.

RadicalRamsFan - February 12, 2012 reply

NO!

Just draft a damn back, plenty of “back-up” type backs in the draft. Last time we signed 2 FA RBs, they were Caddy and Norwood. And don’t tell me about “Devaney’s picks” and all that crap; I’m pretty sure 95% of us on TST loved/liked the signing of those two backs that turned up like a turd.

sergey606 - February 12, 2012 reply

You're just mad because you had Norwood's name tatooed on your chest! lol

Douglas M - February 12, 2012 reply

Am I the only person that bought

both home and away Norwood jerseys?!?!

DCRamFan - February 12, 2012 reply

I think Bush would be an excellent addition, but he's going to command some serious $$$ isn't he?

Douglas M - February 12, 2012 reply

Bush is awesome

but I see them keeping him over Run DMC (if it came down to that) simply because McFadden can’t stay healthy. The Raiders really can’t afford to let him go…

DCRamFan - February 12, 2012 reply

are they planning on drafting a back?

sergey606 - February 12, 2012 reply

not sure. why do you ask?

I think both Bush and McFadden are still splitting carries for the Raiders next year

DCRamFan - February 12, 2012 reply

Because of this topic, figured they'd let one go if they were planning on drafting another back

sergey606 - February 12, 2012 reply

Who the Raiders?

I don’t think they’ll have any draft picks left by the time the draft rolls around. They have nothing before the 5th now.

dbcouver - February 12, 2012 reply

Is it just me, or does Al Davis' son look like Bucky Larson?

Douglas M - February 12, 2012 reply

I sent you an email

DCRamFan - February 12, 2012 reply

OK - BRB

Douglas M - February 12, 2012 reply

I forgot to attach file to the first e-mail, so I sent it to you again

Douglas M - February 12, 2012 reply

got it......Thanks!

DCRamFan - February 12, 2012 reply

One word..

Pass…or should I say run? U know since we’re honna be a running team :p too cheesy?

RamTX - February 12, 2012 via mobile reply

I had to lookup the Rams RB situation...

Cadillac, Norwood, and Brit Miller(IR) are free agents. Chase Reynolds is on the practice squad. Leaving just Steven and Quinn Porter.

Boofer - February 12, 2012 reply

You're quite the optimist T.Ram but although this time of the season is a lot of fun it's far from being my favorite.

Give me the old rock ‘em, sock ’em football season in the fall and winter. That’s my favorite.

You know Michael Bush in regards to Steven Jackson isn’t exactly a spring chicken himself. At 27 years old he’s only one year younger that SJax. I’ve heard that wide recievers and running backs have the shortest life-span in the NFL so at their ages just how much longer can they both last? I would say Steven probably has a few good years left in him and that would be plenty of time for him to groom a young RB rookie, like Marshal Faulk did Steven back in the Rams glory days.

So I’m saying that yes, I am on the bandwagon to our getting a running back but just not through Free Agency. I think there just may be some decent talent in the 2nd, 3rd or maybe even in the 4th round.

Now don’t get me wrong…if they could get Bush for a song then I’m all for it and they could still draft a running back later in this draft or more likely next year’s draft. But lets just see how much bang for the buck we can get.

Go Rams!

Nbr1RamFan - February 12, 2012 reply

Agreed

Next years draft is probably a good target time for acquiring a RBOF. Unless we have a trade that nets us a bunch of extra picks this year. We absolutely have to get better at drafting though. So I wouldn’t bypass any talented player/position just to stick with need.

dbcouver - February 12, 2012 reply