The market for veteran running backs has been painfully slow this offseason, but recently a few 30-somethings found landing spots. More hope to follow.
Speaking Monday to NFL Network's Up To the Minute Live, Reggie Bush said he plans to play in 2017.
"That's my plan," Bush said. "Going into year 12, I still feel like I have a lot left to prove, a lot left to give this game before I'm done. I don't want to put a number on how many years I have left. I think once you get past year 10, you just gotta take it one year at a time and go from there. I'm still excited, still looking forward to playing football again this season, still staying in shape, still working out. I plan to be somewhere in September."
Last year, Bush appeared in 13 games for the Buffalo Bills. He scored one rushing touchdown, with 90 receiving yards on seven receptions. The 32-year-old veteran ran the ball just 12 times for a total of negative three yards on the year.
Those ghastly statics don't suggest a player with a future on the field, but Bush said he's talked to a couple teams about opportunities this offseason.
"I've spoken to a few teams, yes," Bush said when asked if he's had any offers. "But I'm gonna be patient and make sure I make the right decision for me and for my family."
It's likely that if the former No. 2 overall pick wants to continue his NFL career, he'll have to wait until injuries create a need for a veteran with diminished skills.
Bush was asked if the depressed free-agent market for veteran running back plays a part his decision to try and keep playing.
"I think it depends. If you're in it for the money, then it's possible," Bush said. "But I started playing football when I was eight years old, and it's always been a strong passion, and it's always been a passion that's never gonna leave. For me at this point, I've made plenty of money and it's not about the money for me.
"I want to get a chance to go out there on the football field and just continue to play the sport that I love to play. I'm so passionate about football and I love it, and I'm not ready to hang it up yet. I want to make sure I exhaust everything before I hang it up so I don't have any regrets once I do hang it up."
