Lions release Bush

Detroit, MI (SportsNetwork.com) - The Detroit Lions released Reggie Bush on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old Bush, who turns 30 next month, was due $3.25 million and coming off a disappointing season in which he battled an ankle injury for three months.

He gained 297 yards and two touchdowns rushing last year, averaging just 3.9 yards per carry. The USC product caught 40 passes for 253 yards, his second lowest receiving yardage total of his nine-year career.

"You've got to look at the contribution versus how much you're paying the player," Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said. "It's what they give you versus what you pay them. That's a process we spend a lot of time on. He's just one of the players we look at."

Bush had a promising start with Detroit. He totaled 1,006 yards on the ground and averaged 4.5 yards per tote in 2013, his first season with the club. It was the Lions' first 1,000-yard rusher since Kevin Jones in 2004.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 draft, Bush, has run for 5,465 yards and 35 touchdowns and has 466 receptions for 3,489 yards and 18 scores. He played his first five seasons with New Orleans before moving on to Miami for two years.

The move frees up more cap room in an attempt to re-sign All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

Detroit is left with Joique Bell, Theo Riddick and George Winn under contract at the running back position.