Reggie Bush

49ers Notes: Kaepernick, Tomsula, Bush

Blaine Gabbert played well enough to win, but no matter how he fared the bigger story is the tension that has risen between Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers organization. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports writes that based on the current climate, “it is virtually certain [Kaepernick] is not back in San Francisco in 2016, according to team and league sources.”

Kaepernick’s 2016 salary becomes fully guaranteed on April 1st, and it is unlikely the team would want that number on their books if they aren’t committed to him, and La Canfora describes the situation as beyond repair.

Here are a few more notes coming out of San Francisco:

  • While La Canfora believes the situation cannot be turned around, Conor Orr of NFL.com writes that the 49ers coaching staff still believes in Kaepernick as the starting quarterback going forward.
  • Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com takes a look at the idea behind Kaepernick’s contract, and what direction the 49ers will go in from here. One option Fitzgerald believes the team could explore would be asking Kaepernick to take a pay cut in the offseason by threatening to release him in late March, when he’d be unlikely to receive a contract comparable to what they can offer.
  • Even though Gabbert played well and got the win, head coach Jim Tomsula would not name him the starter going forward, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayAreas.com“Gabbert was our starter today,” said Tomsula. “And I don’t have a comment past that.”
  • Kaepernick has been the focus of much of the 49ers’ woes this season, but Tim Kawakami of InsideBayArea.com writes that he is far from the only one on the hot seat during a bad start to the season. He points out that Tomsula, offensive coordinator Geep Chryst, general manager Trent Baalke, and owner Jed York as members of the organization in a no-win situation.
  • 49ers’ running back Reggie Bush is planning to sue the city of St. Louis after suffering a possible career-ending injury after slipping on the concrete at the Edward Jones Dome, writes La Canfora. Bush will likely seek gross negligence, given the danger of having the slippery surface so close to the field.

49ers Sign Pierre Thomas; Bush To IR

3:41pm: The 49ers have officially signed Thomas, moving Bush to the season-ending injured reserve list, the team announced today in a press release.

10:00am: A day after signing Shaun Draughn, the 49ers are adding another running back to their banged-up backfield. According to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (via Twitter), the 49ers are signing veteran free agent Pierre Thomas. Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com had reported earlier today that Thomas was returning to San Francisco for another visit.

Thomas, 30, saw his 2014 campaign with the Saints derailed by injuries and by an increasing workload for Mark Ingram, who received many of the carries that would have gone to Thomas in past years. Before he finished the season on injured reserve, Thomas ran for 222 yards on 45 attempts, both career-low totals. He did remain fairly involved in the passing game, however, grabbing 45 balls out of the backfield.

Thomas reportedly had a strong workout for the Texans back in August, and later auditioned for the Chiefs in the wake of Jamaal Charles‘ injury, but couldn’t find a deal with either Houston or Kansas City. The Niners hosted Thomas for a tryout a little over two weeks ago, and will now add him to a roster that has been hit hard by injuries.

With Carlos Hyde dealing with a stress fracture in his foot, Reggie Bush and rookie Mike Davis were called upon to carry the rushing load for the Niners in Week 8. However, Bush suffered a season-ending knee injury, and Davis sustained a fractured hand, leaving Kendall Gaskins as the only healthy back on the roster.

San Francisco signed Draughn yesterday to complement Gaskins, and figure to use incorporate the veteran Thomas into the mix as well, at least until Hyde and Davis are healthy enough to return.

Reggie Bush Suffers Major Knee Injury

MONDAY, 8:29pm: Bush is done for the year, as Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. Bush will undergo surgery on his torn MCL that will shut him down for the year. His ACL, however, turned out to be okay.

SUNDAY, 6:18pm: 49ers running back Reggie Bush hurt his knee against the Rams, and the team believes it could be a substantial injury, writes Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter).

It is believed that he has a torn ACL, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). A torn ACL would end his season, and Bush will have an MRI Monday to confirm the diagnosis.

Bush had only eight carries for 28 yards this season, but was in line for a bigger role in the 49ers offense with starter Carlos Hyde dealing with his own injury issues. The team had waived backup running back Jarryd Hayne earlier this week, promoting Kendall Gaskins from the practice squad to the active roster.

Other than Gaskins and the injured Hyde, Mike Davis is the only other back on the 49ers’ active roster.

If Bush does miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL, it would put a lot of pressure on the 30-year-old runner, who signed with the 49ers after being released from the Lions who are in need of backfield help themselves. Despite getting heavy run as the lead back in Miami and Detroit between 2011 and 2013, he more likely would only carry value as a third-down specialty back if he comes back healthy next season.

The 49ers will likely look to add another running back to the mix this week, either by trade or through free agency. They could also consider bringing Hayne back into the mix.

Extra Points: Tillman, Talib, Los Angeles, Peterson

Let’s take a look at some assorted notes from around the league as we wrap up this Wednesday night…

  • Former Bears cornerback Charles Tillman visited the Panthers earlier this evening, reports ESPN.com’s Jeff Dickerson (via Twitter). The reporter notes that the two sides have yet to discuss a contract.
  • Rebecca Lopez of WFAA-TV in Dallas reports (via Twitter) that Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib is being investigated for aggravated assault earlier this morning. The 29-year-old’s brother, Yaqub, is also being investigated by police. According to ESPN.com’s Jeff Legwold, the pair were questioned by police early Wednesday, but no one was arrested.
  • Addressing a rumor going around, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (Twitter link) dismisses the notion that the Eagles have any real interest in acquiring Johnny Manziel. According to Cole, the Browns tossed out the idea in a conversation with Philadelphia, but it didn’t gain any traction. Of course, Cleveland also reportedly offered the Eagles a first-round pick for Sam Bradford.
  • In an extensive and interesting piece, Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times examines nine potential outcomes for an NFL move to Los Angeles, including scenarios in which multiple teams relocate and scenarios in which just one of the Rams, Chargers, or Raiders makes the move.
  • The NFL submitted it’s appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court regarding Adrian Peterson, according to USA Today’s Tom Pelissero (via Twitter). Once it’s filed, the NFL Player’s Association will have 14 days to respond. As Pelissero notes (via Twitter), the appeal “has more to do with precedent than Peterson,” adding that the running back could realistically be reinstated regardless of the outcome.
  • Count Reggie Bush among those who are rooting for Australian rugby star Jarryd Hayne to make the 49ers. The running back expressed his confidence to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. “I’m sure he’ll make it, I don’t think there’s any doubt in anybody’s mind he’ll make the roster,” Bush said. “He has all the talents and athleticism to be able to play in this league and to be able to play at a high level in this league…I think making the team is actually the least of his worries.”

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

Saints Notes: Evans, Spencer, Jordan, Draft

Although he was the last head coach to arrive at the NFC coaches’ breakfast in Phoenix this morning, Sean Payton of the Saints may have dropped more noteworthy tidbits for reporters in Arizona than any other NFC coach. Let’s dive in and round up the highlights, via Larry Holder, Nick Underhill, Ian Rapoport, and Mike Garafolo (all links go to Twitter)….

  • The Saints explored the possibility of trading both Jahri Evans and Ben Grubbs, since it wasn’t feasible to keep both high-priced guards. With Grubbs having been sent to Kansas City, Evans is poised to stick around, but his contract may still be addressed and modified, per Payton.
  • There were “four or five teams” talking to the Saints about a potential Jimmy Graham trade, including the Dolphins. Asked about whether last year’s positional battle or contract negotiations involving Graham played a part in the team’s decision to trade the tight end, Payton replied, “Zero. None.” The head coach added that he has spoken to Drew Brees about the deal, and the quarterback handled it fine.
  • Payton confirmed that free agent DE/OLB Anthony Spencer visited the Saints on Monday, but said there’s nothing to announce at this point.
  • Payton likes this year’s draft class for wide receivers, and believes the team will take at least one or two defensive linemen or edge defenders in the draft. Adding a tight end, either in free agency or the draft, is also a priority.
  • General manager Mickey Loomis has begun discussions on a potential long-term contract extension for defensive Cameron Jordan.
  • Payton believes there’s a good chance Travaris Cadet would have re-signed with the Saints if the club hadn’t added C.J. Spiller in free agency. The head coach added that he had dinner in Los Angeles with Reggie Bush to discuss a potential reunion before signing Spiller, since the team expected Spiller to “end up somewhere else at a higher number.”
  • Asked about finding a successor for Brees, Payton said he thinks the veteran quarterback has “a lot of good football left,” but he’s open to drafting a QB if there’s value to be had. However, Payton dismissed the idea of trading up for Marcus Mariota, saying that “won’t happen.”
  • Prior to releasing him, the Saints wanted Curtis Lofton to make some adjustments and improvements to his game, and to take a pay cut, but it didn’t pan out.

Contract Details: Bush, Richardson, Guy

Here are some details about contracts signed or agreed to within the last few days:

Reggie Bush, RB (49ers): One year, $2.2MM base value. $500K signing bonus. $1.1MM guaranteed. $100K workout bonus (via CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora on Twitter).

Trent Richardson, RB (Raiders): Two years, $3.45MM base value. $600K fully guaranteed. Can earn extra $400K in per-game roster bonuses (notes ESPN’s Adam Caplan on Twitter)

Lawrence Guy, DE (Ravens): Two years, $2.3MM base value. $500K to sign. (via Baltimore Sun reporter Aaron Wilson).

49ers To Sign Reggie Bush

WEDNESDAY, 5:38pm: The 49ers have officially announced the signing. The team confirmed it will be a one-year deal, but the value is still unknown.

MONDAY, 6:13pm: Bush’s deal is for one year, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (Twitter link), who adds that it’s still not known how much Bush will earn.

SATURDAY, 1:07pm: The 49ers have agreed to a deal with running back Reggie Bush, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN (via Twitter).

Bush was released by the Lions earlier this offseason, after spending just two seasons with the team. Bush had one of his best seasons as a runner in 2013, surpassing 1,000 yards for only the second time in his career. However, injuries caught up to him last season. He was only able to play in 11 games and failed to reach even 300 yards on the ground.

Bush should provide a complement for bruising tailback Carlos Hyde, and will bring a weapon in the passing game and as a third down back.

AFC Rumors: Fins, Bush, Pats, Gresham, Titans

After signing Jordan Cameron and completing a deal for Kenny Stills, the Dolphins may not be done making moves, according to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald, who notes that the team continues to work on a possible long-term deal for tight end Charles Clay. Beasley adds that the team appears to be open to keeping Mike Wallace, but that may hinge on the wideout’s willingness to redo his contract, so it looks like that situation remains uncertain for the time being.

Here’s more from around the AFC:

  • Running back Reggie Bush is moving forward with his Patriots visit, and is meeting with the team today, tweets Field Yates of ESPN.com. We heard yesterday that a meeting with the Pats was on Bush’s schedule. The former Lion, who has also visited San Francisco this week, could be a good fit in a Shane Vereen-type role. Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link) believes there’s a good chance the Patriots could come away with either Bush or Percy Harvin, noting that the team has interest in both players.
  • According to Tom Curran of CSNNE.com (via Twitter), the Patriots aren’t currently in on any trade talks for Eagles guard Evan Mathis. We heard yesterday that New England had expressed interest in Mathis, who appears to be on the trade block.
  • A source tells Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle (Twitter link) that despite the team trying to lock him up this week, talks between the Raiders and tight end Jermaine Gresham are “dead for now.”
  • Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com (Twitter link) hears that free agent offensive tackle Joe Barksdale is an option the Titans will consider. Tennessee lost two tackles this offseason, as Michael Roos retired and Michael Oher was released.

FA Rumors: Ravens, Bush, Knighton

Look for the Ravens to be players on the receiver market once it comes into better focus, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com writes. The Ravens could be waiting on guys like Dwayne Bowe and Mike Wallace to be cut since their preference is always to gravitate towards guys who have been released. Signing released players doesn’t hurt the team’s status for compensatory draft picks, and they generally come cheaper that way, too. More from around the NFL..

  • Free agent running back Reggie Bush is set to meet with the Patriots and 49ers, according to Dianna Marie Russini of NBC4 (via Twitter).
  • A head coach told Russini (on Twitter) that teams are afraid to sign Terrance Knighton because he’s out of shape.
  • Defensive back Sterling Moore is coming to Tampa for a visit with the Buccaneers, Roy Cummings of The Tampa Tribune tweets. The Cowboys elected not to tender a contract offer to the cornerback earlier this month. The Vikings were also said to have preliminary interest in him earlier this week.
  • Packers free agent cornerback Tramon Williams is back home thinking things over after his visit with New Orleans, but the Saints remain in play, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com tweets. The Vikings also reached out to Williams this week.
  • Patriots free agent linebacker Akeem Ayers is currently visiting with the Rams, Jim Thomas of the Post-Dispatch tweets. Ayers was sent from the Titans to the Pats in a mid-season trade.
  • The Giants have expressed interest in safety Darian Stewart, but no visit has been scheduled yet, according to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News (on Twitter). Stewart is in Denver today, then headed to Atlanta.
  • There was talk that the Dolphins were meeting with Falcons free agent cornerback Robert McClain with the intent of signing him, but that’s on hold right now, Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald (Twitter links). Money is tight in Miami and they have other needs to fill, so he’ll remain on their radar while they look at other areas first.
  • The Cowboys brought in former Browns running back Ray Agnew for a workout, according to Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun (on Twitter). That was presumably prior to signing fullback Jed Collins, however, so there might not be a spot for Agnew in Dallas anymore.

NFC FA Visits: Knighton, Browner, Bush

The start of free agency at 3:00pm central time on Tuesday opened the door for players to officially sign contracts with new teams. It also opened the door for teams and players to begin scheduling formal visits, so free agents can get a better sense of what to expect from their potential suitors. Early on Wednesday morning, we have a few updates on notable free agents meetings with NFC clubs, so let’s round them up….

  • Terrance Knighton, who said yesterday that he has essentially ruled out a return to Denver or a reunion with Jack Del Rio in Oakland, will visit Washington today, he tells Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Washington has already added Stephen Paea and Ricky Jean-Francois to its roster, so signing Knighton would really solidify the team’s interior defensive line.
  • We heard last night that the Saints have interest in cornerback Brandon Browner, and Browner will make his first visit to New Orleans, followed by one to Washington, tweets Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. According to Pro Football Talk (Twitter link), the Ravens, Browns, and Jaguars also have interest in the former Pats corner.
  • Reggie Bush, who has received interest from a number of teams since being cut by the Lions, is visiting the 49ers today, reports Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter). The Saints, Patriots, and Eagles were cited in a Tuesday report as also being possible options for the veteran running back.