Reggie Bush is having a great season with the Miami Dolphins after a previously disappointing season with New Orleans Saints. Still despite that he may not have an offer from the Dolphins and could hit free agency. Read more after the jump.
The Miami Dolphins face the daunting task of trying to secure a host of their core players for the long-term, with running back Reggie Bush, left tackle Jake Long, top defensive lineman Randy Starks, top corner Sean Smith and top receiver Brian Hartline all in the final year of their deals. The Dolphins have had no substantial discussions with the group since before the season, sources said, and talks with most of those potential free agents did not expand beyond the preliminary stage. Considering many of those players are likely to be among the best available talent at their positions, agents and rival executives have been surprised by the lack of movement. League sources said the Dolphins plan to do the bulk of their contract work after the season — a strategy that could prove dangerous — as all of those players save for Long are having strong seasons. Miami has an abundance of cap space in 2013, but will continue trying to seek the proper value for players. Internally, the Dolphins know it will be impossible to retain them all, but the fact that none have been signed yet, with the team surging in the standings after years of suffering, is somewhat alarming and means general manager Jeff Ireland will be very busy in January trying to construct long-term deals.
Bush, who has shined in Miami since being acquired from New Orleans before the 2011 season, is among those who have made no progress on a deal. Given Miami’s recent drafting of running backs Daniel Thomas and Lamar Millerand the expected free-agent interest in Bush, he is unlikely to be back with the Dolphins in 2013. Bush will turn 28 in the offseason.
Jason La Canfora for CBS Sports
