Reggie Bush: Reggie Bush isn't going anywhere

[tirk]

(Sean Payton) emphasized that the team is planning to keep tailback Reggie Bush in the fold, regardless of the fact that Bush is due a base salary of $8 million this year and $12 million next year.

"He'll be with us. He's not going anywhere," Payton said. "Mickey (Loomis) and I talked the other day about it. We value what this player brings, what he's been in three of the last four years ... really in all four seasons here. So I think we've spent more time in the other areas than we have discussing his status. So he's full speed ahead, he finished strong, and he'll be with us."

Those comments don't surprise me one bit. No, Bush wouldn't be worth that kind of money on the open market, but that's the price the Saints had to pay for drafting him with the No. 2 overall pick out of USC in 2006. They'd love to work out a more palatable contract, but Bush might not go for that, and I don't think there's any way the Saints would cut Bush outright or trade him for a mid- to low-round pick. They value Bush as much or more than any other team in the league does.

Of course, the Saints could push for a restructured contract behind the scenes, but it's clear at least that they aren't planning to put any public pressure on him for now.

New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton breaks down the start of a new season | - NOLA.com

[tirk]

- Payton spoke highly of free agent safety Darren Sharper, as well, but didn't go so far as to guarantee he'll remain in a Saints uniform. The Saints will continue to discuss a contract extension with the 34-year-old, but they made it clear they won't overpay for him when they decided not to lock him up with the franchise tag at one year and $6.455 million.

"Darren's been a big part of our success and someone who's certainly helped us tremendously," Payton said. "So, you know, the free agency period is getting ready to begin. And he's a guy that we want on our team. The key is just Mickey Loomis and Darren's agent (Joel Segal) really going through the process and getting that kind of stuff done. But there's still plenty of time."

- It doesn't sound like the Saints will pounce on free agent tailback LaDainian Tomlinson, even though he's a close friend of quarterback Drew Brees. Payton didn't rule out the possibility, but he said he likes the Saints' stable of tailbacks ... and it sounds like restricted free agent Mike Bell is still part of the Saints' plans even though he hasn't been tendered a qualifying offer yet.

"(Tomlinson) is a special guy," Payton said. "And yet as an organization, we've been fortunate to develop some running backs ourselves, younger players that have really stepped up. When you look at Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, Lynell Hamilton's another player who has a bright future with us. So we're deep at that position. And that's a good problem to have."

- The Saints are also deep at left tackle, with former starter Jammal Brown coming back from hip surgery to join a lineup that includes fellow experienced tackles Jon Stinchcomb, Jermon Bushrod and Zach Strief. Payton said it would be "too early" to say the team is seeking to trade any of them, and it would also be too early to pencil either Brown or Bushrod in as the starter to begin the offseason.

[paradiseinc]

Boy, by today's grammar standards, that title just doesn't look right. It should be "Reggie Bush ain't goin' nowhere". I mean, the grammatically correct one reads funny.

[LSUtiger327]

first off, i want to use tirk's avatar as a flotation device.

secondly, i figured the saints wouldn't let bush go and his agent probably knows that. which is why bush will be back and his contract will be the same.

payton seems to be delivering the company line on most of the issues which is fine with me. the man won a super bowl, he can read a prepared statement from loomis for all i care.

[tirk]

hes connected at the hip to him so hes re-signing him. more a matter of ego it would seem. the highest paid rb with 8 mill this year and 12 mill next as it stands.

what a joke. but whatever, you won a super bowl. you can put ryan leaf at qb if you wish.

[LEGACY TIGER]

Originally Posted by tirk

hes connected at the hip to him so hes re-signing him. more a matter of ego it would seem. the highest paid rb with 8 mill this year and 12 mill next as it stands.

what a joke. but whatever, you won a super bowl. you can put ryan leaf at qb if you wish.

I know you can relate to this, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". As much as most of us would say that paying Bush that kinda money is a joke, I think that keeping the team chemistry and using his talents the best they can is important enough to foot the bill.

[tirk]

Originally Posted by LEGACY TIGER

I know you can relate to this, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". As much as most of us would say that paying Bush that kinda money is a joke, I think that keeping the team chemistry and using his talents the best they can is important enough to foot the bill.

if its a joke its a joke. you dont pay that dude that amount of money under any circumstances. even if someone is holding your child for ransom.

[LEGACY TIGER]

Originally Posted by tirk

if its a joke its a joke. you dont pay that dude that amount of money under any circumstances. even if someone is holding your child for ransom.

Not disagreeing with you, just saying what the Saints might be thinking. They could also be thinking, would we have won the SB without him and if so who would have filled in that spot. On and off the field. I know there are a ton of talented RB's in the NFL that probably could have probably been just as effective at a much lower price tag. I just think the Saints might not see it that way, and believe that it was everyone on this team and each player played an important part in the success. Yes, I know in the end it is still all about business, just trying to figure out their committment to him.

[fanatic]

Originally Posted by tirk

if its a joke its a joke. you dont pay that dude that amount of money under any circumstances. even if someone is holding your child for ransom.

You've made no secret of the fact that you hate Reggie Bush, so I'm sure that factors into your opinion. I agree that $8M is alot to pay for him, but apparently, Loomis and Payton think he brings that kind of value to the team and they've proven that they know what they're doing, so it's hard to for me to find fault with it.

I think NEXT year, when he's due the $12M, is when he'll be asked to restructure or release him, unless he puts up Chris Johnson-type numbers.

[mobius481]

Originally Posted by fanatic

You've made no secret of the fact that you hate Reggie Bush, so I'm sure that factors into your opinion. I agree that $8M is alot to pay for him, but apparently, Loomis and Payton think he brings that kind of value to the team and they've proven that they know what they're doing, so it's hard to for me to find fault with it.

I think NEXT year, when he's due the $12M, is when he'll be asked to restructure or release him, unless he puts up Chris Johnson-type numbers.

Or he sprouts wings and a horn out of his head making him the only Unicorned football player in the league.