NFL Trade Speculation: What Is Reggie Bush's Value?

Reggie Bush was expected to be an immediate superstar in the NFL after running wild at USC and being selected by the Saints with the second pick of the 2006 draft, but he has failed to live up to the lofty expectations thus far.

Bush has had moments of greatness during his professional career, but he has made nowhere near the impact that he did during his time with the Trojans.

The Saints are coming off a disappointing season in which they lost to the Seahawks in the playoffs, and with Chris Ivory emerging as a potential playmaker at running back, the team could look to deal their once-prized possession.

But who would be in the running to acquire Bush and what would his value be?

Punt and Kick Returner

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SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 20: Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints in action during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on September 20, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Bush has been a productive punt returner during his time in the league, as he has taken five punts to the house in his career.

Although he has returned just one kickoff in the NFL, he is obviously capable of handling double duty in the return game if a team needs him to do so.

Bush is at his best when he is out in the open, and that is why he is so dangerous on special teams and why teams may find the greatest value from him in that department.

He Can Still Run It...a Little

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints runs the ball in the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan F

Bush has been a disappointment in terms of running the football in the NFL, he has run the ball just 524 times in his five-year career for an average of just four yards per carry.

He has fumbled the ball 13 times in the NFL, which isn't that far of off the 17 rushing touchdowns in his career.

Bush has not been the explosive threat that he was in college, but that is because he is facing defenders with athletic ability that is much closer to his own in the NFL.

His career-long run is just 55 yards, and while he is certainly not an every-down back, he can still provide a nice change of pace for a team looking for a potential home run threat out of the backfield.

Very Good Receiver out of the Backfield

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ATLANTA - DECEMBER 13: Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints scores a 21-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on December 13, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

While his numbers running the ball have been nothing more than average, Bush's receiving numbers have been quite good for a player coming out of the backfield.

Bush has reliable hands for a running back and he has proven that throughout his career by catching 294 passes for 2,142 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Bush is also able to line up in the slot, which makes him even more valuable and versatile to teams that are seeking some offensive firepower.

The 26-year-old has definitely made his mark in the receiving game, and he should continue to be productive catching the ball for years to come.

He's a Winner

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after defeating the Indianapolis Colts during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Bush played on some very talented teams at USC, but there is no denying that he was the main threat on those teams and one of the major reasons why the Trojans won two national titles during his time at Southern Cal.

Bush also won a Super Bowl trophy with the Saints in 2010 as much more of a complimentary piece, but it was yet another title for the California native, nonetheless.

Even though he has not lived up to the expectations set upon him when he was drafted, he has still been a solid contributor who has helped his teams win championships throughout his football career.

Prone to Injuries

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SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 20: Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints leaves the field after being injured during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on September 20, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Ge

One negative that could decrease Bush's value is the fact that he has been injured often during his NFL career, and that could scare some potential suitors away.

Bush has played a full season just once in his career and that was his rookie year; since then he has missed at least two games in every season and he has spent a total of 20 games on the sidelines in the past four years.

Last season, Bush missed eight games with a broken bone in his right leg, which he suffered on a punt return in Week 2 against the 49ers.

Possible Trade Partners

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CHICAGO - JANUARY 21: Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints flips into the endzone on an 88-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears during the NFC Championship Game January 21, 2007 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinoi

Bush can probably be had for a second-round pick or something in that ballpark, but the question will be whether or not the Saints will truly want to part ways with him or if there will be any suitors for the versatile playmaker.

There are numerous teams who could use help in the return game and in the running game, many of which could be interested in Bush's services.

I believe the Broncos, Patriots, 49ers, Giants, Bengals and Dolphins will all be teams to watch for when it comes to acquiring a running back this offseason, and Bush could potentially be a player that is coveted by one or many of these teams.