Mason Foster was released by the Washington Redskins on Tuesday, just days from the start of training camp. While the timing is shocking to many, including his agent, the fact that Foster isn’t going to be with the Redskins going into 2019 is not.
The writing had been on the wall late into the season. He ranked as the 66th best linebacker according to Pro Football Focus. He struggled in pass coverage and often times lost his explosion through holes to disrupt the run game.
The Redskins defense was gashed for an average of 144.3 rushing yards over the course of the final nine games of the season. Foster wore down along with his teammate Zach Brown. Yes, that’s not solely on them two, but many times a dynamic inside linebacker makes a difference in a defense.
Despite recording a career-high 131 total tackles, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries, Foster’s deficiencies were clear.
Both Foster and Brown were shopped for potential trades in March. Brown was released on Mar. 13, while Foster remained. But, with the emergence of Shaun Dion Hamilton, the Redskins’ 2018 seventh-round pick, and the team claiming Reuben Foster off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers, Foster’s days were numbered.
That’s not to mention his late-season spat with fans via Instagram Direct Message that resulted in him saying “F–k this team and this fan base” in frustration.
Even when Reuben Foster suffered a torn ACL in OTAs, the Redskins opted to sign free agent Jon Bostic. They had already drafted Cole Holcomb out of North Carolina. Throw in the fact Washington would save $4 million by cutting ties with Foster, it’s surprising it took this long.
Bostic is expected to start alongside Hamilton inside the Redskins base defense. Both have more range and explosion at the point-of-attack, and a better knack for shedding blocks.
Even before Foster’s release, inside linebacker is the biggest question mark along the defense. Yet, the Redskins are prepared to found out any concerning questions without Mason Foster on the roster.
