Following the release of Mason Foster, the Washington Redskins are in need of a Mike linebacker, the signal caller of the defense. Shaun Dion Hamilton and Jon Bostic have been pegged the two starting inside linebackers of the Redskins’ base 3-4 defense. However, it’s not a lock who will play Mike.
Head coach Jay Gruden said both Bostic and Hamilton will take turns calling signals, according to 106.7 the Fan’s Craig Hoffman.
Hamilton has admitted he had not called plays at all during OTAs and mini-camp, although he did so last season during camp. During the regular season, he mostly lined up at the Mo Linebacker spot last season as a rookie next to the now-released Foster.
Bostic has the experience playing throughout his career with the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, and Pittsburgh Steelers. But learning a new system could be difficult.
The Redskins felt a change at inside linebacker was needed following last season. After allowing just 80.1 rushing yards per game through the first seven games of the season, Washington allowed 144.3 rushing yards per game the final nine games of the season.
Hamilton was inserted into the starting Mo spot in favor of Zac Brown the final four games of the season. They then released Brown in March after failing to find a trade partner.
Bostic was signed in June after Reuben Foster, the presumed favorite for Mike linebacker, tore his ACL in OTAs. After Bostic had an impressive showing in OTAs and mini-camp, the team opted to release Mason Foster.
