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SAN DIEGO -- The Detroit Lions' release of running back Reggie Bush certainly grabbed the attention of some clubs around the league. Bush, who turns 30 next month, still had two years left on a four-year deal. He was scheduled to make $3.5 million in total compensation in 2015. However, the move saves the Lions $1.7 million in cash space, as Detroit desperately tries to make room in order to keep defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh in free agency. Bush, of course, is a San Diego native who won two San Diego California Interscholastic Federation section championships played at Qualcomm Stadium with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith at Helix High. He looked up to legendary San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson while in high school, and returning to his hometown team in free agency would give Bush an opportunity to live out a childhood dream. Look, I don't believe Bush is an every-down back in the NFL at this point in his career. But if the USC product is willing to accept a different role, Chargers offensive coordinator Frank Reich could figure out a way to get Bush 10 touches a game on offense on jet sweeps, reverses, bubble screens and slants from the slot -- similar to the way the Seattle Seahawks used Percy Harvin when he was there. And although he hasn't done it since 2011, Bush could add some juice to San Diego's return game. Yes, Bush has had trouble staying healthy, only playing in 11 games in 2014. But he also wouldn't be relied on to be an every-down back in San Diego's offensive system. The Chargers will select someone in a loaded draft for running backs to handle that. Bush was selected No. 2 overall in the 2006 draft and won the Heisman Trophy at USC, so he's talented. Bush also earned a Super Bowl ring with the New Orleans Saints, so he understands the sacrifice it takes to get there, and would be a good fit in San Diego's the locker room. What Bush could be for San Diego is another playmaker that takes some pressure off of Philip Rivers to complete every tough throw in the passing game by providing another offensive weapon who can make plays with his feet.
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