Reggie Bush will head back to his native California to fill the Frank Gore-sized hole in the 49ers backfield . The 30-year-old was cut by Detroit after two mixed years ; the first inspired , the second injury-hit . ESPN first reported the deal after Bush opted not to join the New England Patriots . Concerns about fitness will plague the running back but when healthy he adds a threat on the ground and in the air . Reggie Bush trains with the Lions ahead of their game with the Atlanta Falcons in London last year . The 2005 Heisman Trophy winner was drafted second overall in the 2006 draft by the Saints . His five seasons in New Orleans yielded 33 touchdowns in 60 games and a Super Bowl victory . Bush moved to Miami Dolphins in 2011 . He rushed for 2,072 yards , scoring 15 touchdowns over two seasons before joining the Lions in 2013 . After going 8-8 and dispensing with Jim Harbaugh 's services , the 49ers have undergone something of a facelift in the offseason . After a botched interview with Adam Gase , Jim Tomsula was promoted from defensive co-ordinator to head coach . And his short stint has seen the retirement of linebacker Patrick Willis , the loss of guard Mike Iupati to NFC West rivals Arizona and long-term staple Gore leave for Philadelphia . Cornerback Perrish Cox also departed to sign a bumper $ 15million three-year deal with Tennessee . The 49ers have added wide receiver Torrey Smith and defensive end Darnell Dockett and re-signed cornerback Chris Cook , as well as adding former rugby league sensation Jarryd Hayne to the roster .
Bush joins the 49ers after two seasons in Detroit . The running back is a threat on the ground as well as the air . In his first season with San Francisco, Bush rushed for 1,106 yards and scored 11 touchdowns.