Saints Keep Rafael Bush By Matching Offer, Bush Not Mad About It

Rafael Bush will remain with New Orleans after the Saints matched the rival Falcons offer sheet for the safety. Bush confirmed the news on his twitter account.

The two-year deal is worth up to $4.5 million. As a restricted free agent, he was originally tendered a 1 year, $1.4 million deal from the Saints. Once Atlanta offered the two-year deal, Bush signed the offer sheet, but the Saints had until Tuesday to match.

Bush insinuated his desire for the Saints not to match, considering the Falcons were giving him an opportunity to be the starting safety. With Kenny Vaccaro and Jairus Byrd, New Orleans starters at safety appear to be set. They also signed safety Marcus Ball last week.

However, now that New Orleans has matched, Bush answered a twitter follower who assumed he was upset about it.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to start, and if injuries occur, Bush could start games in 2014. Even if Byrd and Vaccaro stay healthy, Bush will still see playing time in Rob Ryan's defense.

Last season, Bush started 6 games for New Orleans, making 42 tackles and deflecting 5 passes. He's also a stalwart on special teams.

On another note, every Saints fans that owns a #25 jersey that says Bush on the back can keep sporting it proudly on gameday, knowing it's not outdated.