Miami acquired Reggie Bush and a later sixth-round pick from…
Miami acquired Reggie Bush and a later sixth-round pick from New Orleans for safety Jonathon Amaya and a sixth-round pick. Bush immediately delivered the first 1,000-yard rushing season of his career and produced more than 2,600 yards from scrimmage across two Dolphins seasons. Amaya played only briefly for New Orleans, leaving Miami with a strong return for a very modest package.
Miami Dolphins Received
- player Reggie Bush
- pick 2012 6th round pick (196th overall subsequently traded, Jonte Green )
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Jonathon Amaya
- pick 2012 6th round pick (179th overall, Andrew Tiller)
Trade Analysis
Why New Orleans Moved Bush
By the summer of 2011, Reggie Bush's contract and role had changed from the circumstances that made him the second overall pick five years earlier. New Orleans traded him to Miami for safety Jonathon Amaya and an exchange of sixth-round choices. The Saints gained cap flexibility and a young defensive back; Miami gained a chance to feature Bush more heavily.
What Miami Received
Bush responded with the most productive rushing stretch of his career. In 2011 he ran for 1,086 yards, his first 1,000-yard season, and added receiving value. He followed with 986 rushing yards in 2012. Across two Dolphins seasons he produced more than 2,600 yards from scrimmage and scored 15 total touchdowns, giving Miami a legitimate starting back for a low acquisition cost.
What New Orleans Received
Amaya appeared in a reserve and special-teams role but did not become a significant Saints defender. New Orleans also received the earlier of the exchanged sixth-round choices, which became Andrew Tiller. Tiller did not establish himself with the Saints. The organization had understandable financial reasons to move Bush, but the direct football return remained thin.
Why This Trade Still Matters
A trade can make sense for roster management and still produce a clear winner on the field. New Orleans was moving away from an expensive former star, while Miami had the role and contract structure to make better use of him. The Dolphins obtained two productive seasons without surrendering premium capital.
Final Verdict
Miami Dolphins Win. Bush's immediate production gives Miami an A-. New Orleans receives a D+ because the trade helped resolve a contract issue but yielded little lasting football value from Amaya or the sixth-round return.