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Report: RB Michael Bush Visiting Patriots

BOSTON (CBS) -- With LeGarrette Blount signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, the Patriots find themselves in need of a powering running back.

Enter free agent Michael Bush, who will visit with New England according to multiple reports.

The 29-year-old Bush was released by the Chicago Bears earlier in the offseason after rushing for three touchdowns on 63 rushes in 2013. He signed a four-year deal with the Bears two years ago, but with Matt Forte becoming an every-down back, Bush became a salary cap casualty this offseason.

The 6-1, 245-pound Bush has 3,250 career rushing yards on 809 attempts, but has found great success near the goal line, rushing for 29 touchdowns in his six NFL seasons.

Originally drafted by the Raiders as a fourth round pick out of Louisville in 2007, Bush complemented Darren McFadden in Oakland for four seasons, rushing for 21 touchdowns.

Not only would Bush replace Blount as the Patriots' goal-line back, but he would also give them some depth for the future. The Patriots currently have Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, Brandon Bolden and Jonas Gray under contract, and only Gray is signed beyond 2014.

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