I never thought Bush was a starting caliber back. Remember, he averaged just 3.8 yards per carry and less than 4 yards per carry in 7 of his last 8 starts last season in his only season as a starter with Darren McFadden hurt. So I’m glad no one signed him as a starter and no one paid him as a starter. He’s getting good #2 back money, 14 million over 4 years with 7 million guaranteed, which is very reasonable for him.

The only problem is that the Bears have Matt Forte and they don’t really need a good #2 back so I don’t understand paying one, even if they are getting a bargain. 3.5 million per year for 5-7 carries per game, barring injury, doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, nor does it make a whole lot of sense to significantly cut into Matt Forte’s carries for an inferior option. I guess this gives them leverage in contract negotiations with Matt Forte, but this deal still doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. If signing Bush is the reason they eventually decide not to pay Forte what he’s worth long term, this deal makes even less sense.

Update: This signing seems to have pissed Matt Forte off. He tweeted “there’s only so many times a man that has done everything he’s been asked to do can be disrespected!” and his agent said “to sign yet another running back, prior to completing a contract with Matt suggests disregard for Matt and his contribution to the Bears.” Forte could now hold out into training camp or longer. He’s outperformed his contract for 4 years and deserves to be paid as much as he’s worth. He has every right to be pissed off and pissing off your best player is never a good thing.

Grade: F