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The Washington Redskins surprised many by way of releasing long-time defensive starter Mason Foster, per Washington insider Erin Hawksworth. Many figured it would happen, pre-Reuben Foster torn ACL, as he was unhappy with the situation in D.C. But after the injury, the likelihood of so decreased. In 2018, Foster led the team in total tackles with 131.
For the last four seasons — other than 2017 (torn labrum) — Foster was a stalwart for the Redskins' defense. He played over 13 games in three of the four and had two 120+ tackle campaigns to boot. The 30-year-old linebacker isn't particularly proficient in stopping the pass — as his instincts and lack of speed prevail — but he's one of the better run-stuffers in the NFL. He's an outstanding blitzer, lives in the backfield, and can pass-rush. Now, the younger Jon Bostic stands as his replacement.
Mason Foster stood out as a blitzer in 2017. See which linebackers dominated our signature stats here:https://t.co/WNmJooYW0x pic.twitter.com/zE8drNFlop
— PFF (@PFF) June 19, 2018
However, despite his lack of pass coverage skills, Foster should find a home as an old-school MIKE linebacker that can plug gaps and stop the run. His contract — worth $4.25 million, per Over The Cap — should clear waivers too. Meaning, there will be a market.
Here are three such teams that could compete for his skillset.
3. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals should be set at inside linebacker with free agency addition Jordan Hicks and 2017 first-round pick Haason Reddick in-fold. But, behind them, the group is shallow. Considering that Hicks has struggled with injuries throughout his career, adding a veteran to the mix to back them up would be a smart move. Josh Bynes was once thought of as that option, but he was released earlier in free agency.
Now, the Cardinals have Dennis Gardeck, Tanner Vallejo, Joe Walker, and Dante Booker backing up the aforementioned duo. Neither of the four has seen significant NFL snaps, as they are all special teamers, or undrafted free agents (Booker). The Cardinals, who have first priority on the waiver wire and cap space, maybe one of the lone teams to absorb his current contract.
2. Baltimore Ravens
With Pro Bowler C.J. Mosley now calling New York home, and others leaving, the Baltimore Ravens have given several veteran free agents looks to shore up their inside linebacker corps. So far, none have signed. As of now, Baltimore appears to be rolling with Kenny Young and Patrick Onwuasor at inside linebacker. Both are promising youngsters and are deserving of starting.
But, factoring in the Ravens' search for more depth, Foster to Baltimore makes too much sense. He shouldn't start of the two already on-board, but he may help negate the loss of one of the league's best run-stuffers in a rotational role.
1. Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams need pass coverage linebackers; unfortunately, those are hard to find at this point of the off-season. Though they added Clay Mathews and promising Dakoda Watson via free agency and the draft, depth behind Cory Littleton and Micah Kyzer is thin of veteran talents. Foster, like the rest on this list, could help them in that very area.
The Rams boast one of the NFL's best front-sevens. That tends to happen when you have Aaron Donald. But, they are in no way one of the deepest and are still in need of rushing help. Foster may not help much in pass coverage, but where he can help is creating pressure as an inside blitzer and sometimes edge rushing role to supplement Mathews, Samson Ebekum, and Dante Fowler. This may mean a slight position change, but his game could potentially do so seamlessly.
