Michael Bush to Cardinals: Latest Contract Details, Analysis and Reaction

After being released by the Chicago Bears in March, veteran running back Michael Bush has reached an agreement with the Arizona Cardinals heading into Week 13.

Continue for updates.

Wednesday, Dec. 3

Bush's Contract Details Revealed 

Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports on the contract details of the deal the Cardinals and Michael Bush agreed upon when the running back signed with the team last week:

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The Arizona Cardinals signed Michael Bush to a one-year deal worth $730,000, according to ESPN Stats & Information. 

If he's on the roster for the rest of the season, Bush will take home $214,706 for the five remaining games. He'll earn $42,941 per game. 

Bush's cap hit is just $167,647. He did not receive a signing bonus. Bush signed on Nov. 25 and was inactive for Sunday's loss at Atlanta. 

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Tuesday, Nov. 25

Bush Signs With Cardinals 

Marc Sessler of NFL.com had the news of Michael Bush's signing: "The team on Tuesday announced the signing of veteran running back Michael Bush. In a corresponding move, the Cardinals released fellow runner Kerwynn Williams."

Bush was signed by the Bears in 2012 after scoring 15 rushing touchdowns over his final two seasons with the Oakland Raiders. He was pegged to create an ideal one-two punch with Matt Forte in the Chicago backfield, but it never materialized like the team hoped.

The Louisville product averaged less than four yards per carry during both seasons with the Bears. His role greatly diminished in his second campaign, as he received just 63 carries over 15 games, averaging barely over three yards per rush.

Chicago opted to go in another backfield direction, and Bush headed back to the open market. After getting let go, he took to Twitter to talk about renewed motivation:

Now, he'll receive a chance to get his career back on track.

Jason Miller/Getty Images

Pro Football Focus ranked Bush barely inside the top 50 free agents available at No. 46 in a late-March update. The site noted it was tough to know exactly what the veteran back could provide after so little playing time behind Forte last season.

"Hard to tell what Bush is after being buried behind the dependable Matt Forte. A nice change of pace back if nothing else."

Bush is entering his age-30 season, making it fair to wonder how much he has left in the tank. He's rarely been the full-time back of his team throughout his career, though, which means he's taken less hits than many rushers that age.

If the right role can be carved out for him behind Andre Ellington and Stepfan Taylor, there's a good chance he can still be effective. At the very least, he can provide reliable depth as an experienced ball-carrier who protects the football, which is valuable on a short-term deal.