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Rafael Bush Wants to Be a Falcon, Expects to Start

Saints safety Rafael Bush reportedly is hoping to become the starting free safety for the Atlanta Falcons.

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Did anyone know that Rafael Bush signed an offer sheet from Atlanta two days ago? I'm not sure if anyone had an opinion about the potential new Falcon.

Some interesting information has come out regarding Bush's desire to play in Atlanta and how Bush expects to fit in the 2014 depth chart.

According to the source, in Atlanta, Bush is being offered a chance to be a starting safety alongside William Moore, a friend.

I had thought Bush would be Atlanta's #3 safety and would be paid as such.

To be honest, I thought Bush would be a great fit in Mike Nolan's big nickel defensive formation as a cover0safety that could play nickel. Bush was cut after 2011 preseason, stashed on the practice squad and eventually signed by the Denver Broncos before ending up with the New Orleans Saints.

It turns out Atlanta offered Bush a two-year deal worth up to $4.5 million. That is certainly not backup money. Bush sounds ready to take the opportunity to start on game day.

Bush would prefer it if New Orleans let him move on, the source said.

Bush has some interesting upside. The 5-foot-11, 200 pounds free safety has nice game speed and showed well in spot-duty last year with the New Orleans Saints. Bush graded out as the Saints best safety by Pro Football Focus, and if he can maintain his level of play, should be a huge upgrade over Thomas DeCoud.

We should know more on April 8th, the deadline for the Saints to match Atlanta's offer sheet.