Would the Pats be interested in Reggie Bush?

AP Photo/Duane Burleson, File

Patriots running backs Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen will be free agents on March 10th unless the Patriots can work out a deal with either or both of them. However, Reggie Bush was just released by the Detroit Lions and that begs the question, would the Patriots be interested if they can't bring back Vereen or Ridley?

Here are a few possible reasons why they could, per Mike Reiss:

Bush, who turns 30 on March 2, would project to the same type of role in the Patriots' offense as Vereen. He is still a top pass-catching back when healthy and that is something the Patriots value highly. Bush had 94 receptions over the past two seasons, while Vereen had 99. Vereen turns 26 on March 2 (sharing the same birthday as Bush)

If the price was equal, Vereen would be the choice because he's younger and already a proven fit in the offense. But the price likely wouldn't be equal, with Vereen -- from this viewpoint -- in position to command more because he's entering his prime years. So then the question becomes something like this, "Would you rather have Vereen over the next four years at around $4 million per season, or Bush for the next one or two seasons at possibly around half that total?"

Offensive coaches Brian Daboll and Dave DeGuglielmo have a history with Bush, having coached him in 2011 with the Dolphins. Any time a player has a history with a member of the coaching staff, and that history is a productive one, it is notable.

Timing could be a factor, as free agency begins March 10. If the Patriots have a sense they might lose Vereen regardless, would that expedite talks with Bush as a possible replacement?

It's an interesting possibility, but there are still a couple of weeks until free agency begins, so the Pats have time to work something out with Vereen and/or Ridley should they so choose.