Cesar Tordesillas

Detroit, MI

Free-agent running back Reggie Bush has signed a four-year deal with a base value of $16.25 million with the Detroit Lions.

According to the NFL Players Association, the former No. 2 overall pick Bush will receive a $4 million signing bonus.

Bush was also eyed by the Arizona Cardinals but the rusher had his sights set on the Lions, who will gain more offensive firepower with his entry.

"This is the first time I'd been a free agent. This is uncharted waters for me. I was very nervous. I got about two, three hours of sleep, just thinking about all the possibilities. We had such as great meeting, it almost seemed too perfect," Bush said after signing the deal.

The Lions, who relied too heavily on wideout Calvin Johnson in 2012, should be able to better utilize Bush's skills as a receiver out of the backfield.

"It's a running back's dream, watching film, seeing those safeties deep and those safeties rolling over to double-cover Calvin," said Bush.

In his two years with the Miami Dolphins, the 29-year-old Bush rushed for 2,072 yards and 12 touchdowns.

In 2012, Bush fell just shy of his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, finishing with 986.

In 91 career games, Bush has 4,162 yards rushing, 2,730 receiving and 48 touchdowns, including 29 rushing, 15 receiving and four return scores.

Bush's signing was welcomed by new teammates, led by offensive guard Rob Sims.

"Definitely where we are, he definitely would be the missing piece," Sims said. "With our aerial attack and he can catch the ball the way we can out of the backfield and some of the other running game stuff we got in place, I think it's tailor-made for him."

Aside from Bush, the Lions also agreed to deals with former Houston Texans safety Glover Quin, cornerback Chris Houston and former Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Jason Jones.

Rusher Reggie Bush, 3 others sign with Lions