One former Saints first-round pick is on the verge of being out of a job, while another is strongly considering retiring from the NFL and heading into big-time TV, The Post has learned.
Reggie Bush is expected to be out at Fox over a contract dispute.
Bush and Fox first squabbled over money last year.
At that point, Fox looked into alternatives, including ESPN’s Desmond Howard and Robert Griffin III, according to sources, but never made a formal offer to either.
Now, Fox Sports’ “Big Noon Kickoff” is closing in on signing Mark Ingram II, according to sources.
Ingram would then retire from the NFL after 13 seasons in which he gained more than 8,000 yards. Ingram, 33, won the 2010 Heisman Trophy during Alabama’s national championship season.
Fox Sports also spoke previously with Ingram about leaving the NFL, but he decided to continue with the Saints.
This Fox deal is not yet official, leaving a small opening for Ingram to continue his playing career.
Fox Sports declined to comment.
Last offseason, Bush and Fox agreed to a one-year deal and he remained on “Big Noon.” This year, after the same negotiating dance played out, Bush is on the outside looking in.
Though negotiations have broken off, there was an outside chance that Bush, 38, could try a last-ditch effort to return.
Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff” has made a major impact in college football as it has gone up against ESPN’s iconic “GameDay.” “Big Noon” is hosted by Rob Stone, with Urban Meyer, Brady Quinn, Matt Leinart and, likely soon, Ingram. The show, which begins at 10 a.m., has helped lead into Fox’s biggest game of each Saturday at noon.