NFL Free Agency 2011: Top 5 Teams In Contention For Reggie Bush

Ever since the New Orleans Saints drafted running back Mark Ingram in the late first round the assumption has been that Reggie Bush would be out of town.

Bush event went as far to say “It’s been fun New Orleans” from his Twitter account insinuating that even he knew his time in NOLA was coming to a close.

Bush has since come out and said that he wants to be back with the Saints in 2011 which is good news for Saints fans, but the fact of the matter is that unless his deal is re-structured there is no way that could work out.

Right now Bush will make $12 million next season that will end up costing $16 million against the Saints salary cap.

Once the lockout ends things may look a little bit different, but if the Saints and Bush can’t agree on a new deal, which will be cheaper mind you, than I looks like Bush will be hitting the free agent market.

With that in mind, here are the top five teams, other than the Saints, that could be in contention for the services of Reggie Bush.

5. Seattle Seahawks

This would be an extremely interesting pick-up for the Seattle Seahawks if only for old times sake.

Bush joining up with former coach Pete Carroll and former teammate Mike Williams would be quite a trip.

We could call them USC North!

In all seriousness though, from what I hear Seattle is not 100 percent satisfied with their running back situation as far as third down, and long yardage situations are concerned.

Bush and Marshawn Lynch together would be quite a one-two punch, and it might give Matt Hasselbeck a little bit more motivation going into the season.

4. New York Giants

If the Giants can't hold on to Ahmad Bradshaw then I can all but guarantee you they would make a strong push for Reggie Bush.

He would bring what Bradshaw brought to their team, but with just a little bit more explosion and home run power behind it.

He would also be a big help for Manning in the passing game.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If Cadillac Williams is not locked up by the 'Bucs, which i'm assuming he won't be, then I would look for the Buccaneers to be major players in going after Reggie Bush.

Tampa Bay already has an incredibly explosive offense, and Bush could still play his scat-back role with Lagarrette Blount as the first and second down bruising back.

With Bush on the team I think the Buccaneers could propel themselves into the playoffs after barely missing in 2010.

2. St. Louis Rams

On paper, adding Reggie Bush to this up-and-coming young St. Louis team would work very nicely.

He fits in well with the offense and would work well behind Steven Jackson.

He would also be an incredible safety-valve in the flats for young quarterback Sam Bradford in a pinch.

St. Louis would love to get their hands on Bush.

1. Miami Dolphins

According to Jason La Canfora the Miami Dolphins might be the team that could actually "set the market" for Bush.

The Dolphins could really use a guy like Bush in their backfield.

Rookie Daniel Thomas would benefit from having Bush behind him, who would be valueable on third downs and in the punt-return game.

Miami also has enough room to throw money at Bush without feeling too constricted.

Follow Andrew on Twitter: @AKonSports