NFL Trade Speculation: Could Reggie Bush Switch Positions with New Team?

With the selection of Mark Ingram in the first round, the Saints have made running back Reggie Bush expendable. 

Bush has not impressed in the NFL like he did in his days at USC. 

Is Reggie Bush a dependable running back for any prospective new team or must Bush be utilized in a different fashion in order to be effective?

Running Back

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

Bush could remain a typical running back with his new team.

However, Bush's success in the NFL has been centered on allowing him to make plays. 

As a running back, Bush is ordinary.  His talents are wasted when he is handed the ball and asked to run between the tackles.

Bush's agility needs to be properly utilized by his new team.

Wide Receiver

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

Bush has been known to catch the ball well out of the backfield.

Why not give him a chance to line up along side other receivers on a regular basis?

As a slot receiver, Bush's quickness could be greatly enhanced off the snap.

If his new team is not comfortable lining him up in the backfield, Bush can always help the team out in the passing game.

Return Specialist

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints runs down field 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 Ferrey/Getty Images)

Bush has returned punts in his career because of his ability to make defenders miss.

However, after five years and numerous leg injuries later, Bush may not be the dynamic playmaker that he once was.

That being said, Bush could be given the opportunity to become a team's return specialist based on his track record alone.

Otherwise, a new position will need to be found for Bush to stay on the field.

Wildcat

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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)

The wildcat craze is still alive in the NFL.

Bush could take advantage of this fad before it fades away by becoming wildcat running back, much like Ronnie Brown in Miami. Bush could see more touches in an offense that utilizes the wildcat.

By direct snapping to Bush in the wildcat formation, opposing defenses will have to think about either Bush tucking the ball and running or handing off to the running back split to his right.

If a team wants to make defenses think twice about what to expect, add Bush to a wildcat package and watch the wheels in the defense's mind turn.