Reggie Bush, Sean Smith want to re-sign with Miami Dolphins
Two key players on the Miami Dolphins are set to become unrestricted free agents after this season, and the Miami Herald is reporting that both cornerback Sean Smith and running back Reggie Bush would like to re-sign with the Dolphins. Smith was quoted as saying, “There is where I want to be forever. I’m confident something will work out.”
Meanwhile, Bush said after the 28-0 loss to the New England Patriots, “It has been a pleasure to play here. I still feel there’s unfinished business. Hopefully, I’ll be back.” He also spoke about the loss to the Patriots, “leaves a bitter taste in the mouth and a wakeup call. We have a long way to go.”
Maybe that’s the unfinished business he is talking about. The news that both players want to stay is big for the Dolphins, because Bush is their biggest playmaker on offense (their only true playmaker, actually) and Smith is clearly their best corner. The other thing is that Bush figures to be a high-priced free agent who will also be highly sought-after following 2,637 yards in each of the past two seasons in Miami. Smith will also want some cash in his pocket after a big fourth year in 2012, but the Dolphins most likely wouldn’t want to pay $10 million to franchise a CB who still hasn’t proven himself in the league just yet.
However, Smith is also their best corner and they would love to lock him up at an affordable rate if they can. He’s done a good job shadowing opposing receivers this season, and he makes up for his lack of ball skills and playmaking ability with his great pure coverage skills. Patriots fans witnessed that ability first hand when he shut down Brandon Lloyd.
Reggie Bush found the end zone eight times this season and averaged 4.3 yards per carry and roughly 62 rushing yards per game for a total of 986 yards on 227 carries. He had a down year from last season’s 1,000-yard rushing performance in his first year in Miami, but he was still the Dolphins best running back and hasn’t had much of an offensive line to work with aside from star second-year center Mike Pouncey.
The impending free agencies of both Smith and Bush will undoubtedly be two of the biggest storylines in the AFC East in 2013, so keep your eyes peeled for more updates on those two situations.