NFL Rumors: New Orleans Saints match Atlanta Falcons offer sheet for Rafael Bush

Jan 11, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; New Orleans Saints free safety Rafael Bush (25) hits Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin (right) in front of Saints defensive back Trevin Wade (30) during the first half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Despite publicly stating that he’d rather play for the Atlanta Falcons, Rafael Bush will be heading back to the New Orleans Saints after they decided to match the two-year, $4.5 million dollar offer sheet presented to Bush by the Atlanta Hawks last week.

Many believed that the Saints would let Bush walk, especially after making moves in their secondary prior to Bush signing an offer sheet with the Falcons, but it appears as if the Saints preferred to pay the extra money to keep Bush than let him sign with a fellow NFC South rival.

Bush’s desire to go to the Falcons was understood given he likely would have been given a starting role with the Falcons (or at minimum significant playing time) as opposed to staying with the Saints were he’s likely be used as a third safety behind both Jairus Byrd and Kenny Vaccaro.

It’ll be a role similar to what Bush played in last season, a role he played well in, though the desire to play more snaps/start was likely why he looked for greener pastures.

Regardless, Bush will be back in New Orleans for the next two seasons.

Home/Atlanta Falcons