National Football League

Sources: Saints, Fins agree on Bush deal

Published Jul. 27, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

A surprising trade has popped up in this hectic NFL week.

The New Orleans Saints traded former Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush to the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday, FOXSports.com has learned.

The deal was contingent upon Bush’s agent Joel Segal working out a new contract with the Dolphins, which was finalized Thursday morning as the RB/punt returner settled on a two-year contract. It is unclear what the Saints are receiving in return.

New Orleans had no intention of keeping Bush this season under the terms of his current contract — an $11.8 million base salary and a cap figure of $16 million.

The Saints part ways with coach Sean Payton’s first draft pick, an injury-plagued player who put up only 2,090 rushing yards since entering the league in 2006. Bush distinguished himself, however, as one of the NFL’s best receiving threats at running back in the past five seasons, catching 294 passes for 2,142 yards and 12 touchdowns.

His 7.3-yards-per-catch average in that span ranks first among running backs, while his 12 touchdown receptions rank second among running backs.