Bears agreed to terms with RB Michael Bush on a four-year, $14 million contract. The signing should expedite Marion Barber's release, a move that would free up $1.7 million in salary cap space. Bush's addition also gives the Bears significantly more leverage in contract talks with unsigned franchise player Matt Forte. Even if Forte threatens a holdout, the Bears will be sitting comfortably with a starting-caliber back under contract, and Kahlil Bell at No. 2 on the depth chart. Bush isn't a dynamic runner, but he doesn't got quick feet for his size and is a bull to bring down. He's also an adept receiver and pass blocker. Bush's addition may cut into Forte's 2012 fantasy value. He'll definitely be a candidate for short-yardage and goal-line work.

The Chargers are not expected to make a play for free agent Michael Bush. The Chargers are in the market for a backup running back, but aren't interested in meeting Bush's asking price. According to the Union-Tribune San Diego, Bush is expected to "command more" than $3 million per season.

NFL.com reports "at least" four teams are in contention for free agent RB Michael Bush. Bush has already visited the Bears and Bengals, and is expected to visit the Seahawks. He is reportedly in discussions with "several other teams." Of Bush's known suitors, Cincinnati would be by far the best landing spot from a fantasy perspective.

The Contra Costa Times' Steve Corkran believes there's a chance free agent Michael Bush could re-sign with Oakland. On a scale of 1-10, Corkran put Bush's chances of returning to Oakland at a "soft one" in late February, but he's been greeted by an exceptionally soft market since the start of free agency. Bush visited the Bengals on Monday, and will head to Seattle Tuesday. As it stands right now in Oakland, Taiwan Jones would be Darren McFadden's backup in 2012.

Free agent Michael Bush will visit the Seahawks on Tuesday. It's a surprise after the Seahawks signed Marshawn Lynch to a four-year, $32 million extension earlier this month, and a sign that Bush's market isn't developing the way he hoped. As a runner, Bush is basically a less explosive version of Lynch, though he offers more in the passing game. At least on paper, his signing would give Seattle one of league's top running games.

Free agent Michael Bush will visit the Bengals on Monday. Bush was originally scheduled to visit late last week. Even though he wore-down as his workload increased in 2011, Bush would be a huge upgrade on free agent Cedric Benson. His asking price will have to be bargain-basement to end up with the thrifty Bengals, however.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports free agent RB Michael Bush will visit the Bengals. The Bengals are beginning to line up potential Cedric Benson replacements, with BenJarvus Green-Ellis also slated for a visit. BJGE would come cheaper, but Bush would be the better option for a team that wants to pound the ball. Bush wore down in Oakland last season as he was overworked in the absence of Darren McFadden, but would be a big improvement on Benson, who contributed little in the passing game.

Free agent RB Michael Bush is set to hit the open market with the Raiders reportedly placing the franchise tag on SS Tyvon Branch. "Michael Bush, Come on down?" tweeted Bengals beat writer Joe Reedy following news that Branch had been tagged. The Raiders are over the salary cap by $16 million more than the next-closest team, so it's hard to believe they'd make a run at re-signing Bush. We agree with the Reedy that the Bengals are a likely landing spot.

The Raiders must clear in excess of $22 million in salary cap space before March 13. They're definitely not franchise tagging Michael Bush, and at this point we'd be surprised if they tagged any free agents at all. (See SS Tyvon Branch.) The Raiders' current cap allotment is a whopping $145.7 million, easily the most in the NFL and $16.6 million more than the Giants at No. 2. Expect a flurry of releases and restructures ahead of the free agency period.

On a scale of 1-10, the Contra Costa Times' Steve Corkran puts the Raiders' chances of re-signing free agent Michael Bush at a "soft one." With Oakland reportedly having "zero interest" in franchising Bush and extremely unlikely to be the highest bidder if he reaches the open market, it's an accurate assessment. Bengals OC Jay Gruden insinuated Monday running back will be the team's top offseason priority, and the powerful Bush would slot in nicely alongside the more slippery Bernard Scott.