Bush Returns…The People Don’t Rejoice

The Packers have re-signed everyone’s favorite special-teamer/cornerback Jarrett Bush to a three-year contract worth $4.5 million with $1 million signing bonus.  The Packers matched the offer sheet the Tennessee Titans offered the cornerback, who will be entering his fourth year in the league in 2009.  The market for Bush was initially very tepid, but as the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came calling, the Packers moved quickly and snatched Bush up.  Bush’s contract pays him $1 million this year, $1.1 million in ’10 and $1.4 million in ’11.

This isn’t the most popular move Ted Thompson has ever made, but Tom Silverstein of JSOnline does his best to rationalize the decision:

"Guys who play those positions are going to committ penalties because they’re playing all-out. Bush needs to play smarter and eliminate some of the dumb mistakes, but he’s only played three seasons in the NFL and he’s going to get better. The fact six teams inquired about him shows the respect he garners from personnel men around the league. The fact Tennessee and Baltimore were two of the teams shows that he plays with the kind of force and aggressiveness needed to survive at his position."

It makes sense.  You need the special teams players, although special teams tackles don’t look that important overall; the Jets just re-signed Ahmad Carroll after he led them in special teams tackles.  We all remember him.

This could also impact the Tramon Williams situation.  He’s definitely going to want some big money after this signing.  But more on this later.  Fact remains, the Packers have their best special teams player.