New Orleans Saints’, Reggie Bush Agree to Six Year Deal

Michael Bennett was watching the news late Saturday night when his future flashed before his eyes.

The New Orleans Saints tailback immediately began preparing for what might be the inevitable.
 
With the Saints backfield already stocked with three veterans toting NFL starting experience, there's certain to be an odd man out now that top draft pick Reggie Bush is on his way in to training camp.

"I saw the breaking news alert about the Saints on TV last night, and I figured it had to be that," Bennett said Sunday on Reggie Bush ending his training camp holdout. "I welcome him with open arms. But I think some moves are going to be made."
That will likely be the case on and off the field in the coming days for the Saints with Reggie Bush in tow.

Reggie Bush's two-day holdout ended late Saturday when the No. 2 overall pick in April's draft agreed to terms on a six-year contract.

Neither Saints general manager Mickey Loomis nor Joel Segal, Reggie Bush's agent, would confirm financial terms of the deal Sunday. But it is reportedly worth between $52 and $60 million with incentives, including $25 to $27 million guaranteed over the first two years.

"I'm excited that we got a deal done," Loomis said. "I'm just disappointed it wasn't done Friday. I think both sides gave in a little bit to get what they wanted."

Segal was in Jackson, Miss., on Sunday to finalize details of the contract. Reggie Bush was rated as the top player in the draft, but was passed over by Houston, who chose defensive end Mario Williams, who reportedly signed a six-year, $54 million deal with $26.5 guaranteed.

Reggie Bush's agent had been seeking a deal that matched or exceeded Houston's deal with Williams.

"We were sensitive to the fact that Reggie expected to be the first pick in the draft," Loomis said. "But he wasn't."

Between Reggie Bush and starter Deuce McAllister, the Saints have more than $100 million tied up in running back contracts, giving the team one of the most expensive payrolls in the NFL at the position.

And that's without including the salaries for Bennett, who signed as a free agent in March, or seventh-year back Aaron Stecker.

Bennett, Minnesota's first-round pick in 2000, has rushed for 3,174 yards and 12 touchdowns in five seasons. He also has 126 receptions for 1,040 yards and five scores. Bennett received a $1 million signing bonus from the Saints as part of two-year, $3 million deal.

While Reggie Bush was traveling Sunday from Los Angeles to Jackson, Bennett was already bracing to be squeezed in the numbers crunch.

First-year coach Sean Payton was non-committal when asked about his plans at the position.

"We have the good fortune of having some depth," Payton said. "That's a good problem. I don't think you can have enough at that position. That's the approach we'll take. We'll see how it shakes out."

Bennett's name has been floated constantly in NFL trade rumors -- primarily with him going to either Miami, St. Louis or Houston -- since Reggie Bush was drafted. Bennett, 27, has significant trade value for the Saints, who would likely seek help at linebacker or along the defensive line if Bennett is dealt.

Loomis said he's had talks with Bennett's agent, Pat Dye Jr., , about the Saints' backfield predicament.

"Michael is in a bit of a tough position because he signed here without knowing we were going to draft Reggie Bush -- we didn't know either," Loomis said. "He is really a quality football player other teams would like to have. We are going to do what's best for the team while also being sensitive to Michael. We'll see what happens."

For now, the plan is to get Reggie Bush caught up with his teammates.

The Heisman trophy winner out of Southern Cal was scheduled to arrive in Jackson on Sunday night, sign his contract, undergo a physical exam and meet with Payton.

Reggie Bush will be put through the team's conditioning test this morning and is expected to be on the field for the afternoon practice.

"We're in pads, and he hasn't been in pads with us," Payton said. "You make sure that you just don't throw him out there. There will be some hands-on learning for him. But he's in good shape, he's been working out and he's been training. It'll be easy to get him started."

Reggie Bush's addition will likely lighten the practice load for McAllister, who is working his way back from offseason knee surgery. His addition may also force the subtraction of Bennett from the Saints' plans.

"Right now, I'm just going to let it play out ... I'm prepared either way," said Bennett, who insists he's not bitter."My task is to pick this offense up and practice to the best of my ability. Or, if I'm going to be somewhere else, I need to be ready to step right in there and go."

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