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Redskins Free Agency: Previewing what will happen with the Redskins free agent inside linebackers

By Jacob Camenker

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled by Will Compton #51 of the Washington Redskins during the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled by Will Compton #51 of the Washington Redskins during the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles is sacked by Mason Foster #54 and Preston Smith #94 of the Washington Redskins during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles is sacked by Mason Foster #54 and Preston Smith #94 of the Washington Redskins during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

ILB Mason Foster

When Mason Foster and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers parted ways during the 2015 offseason, it looked like Foster’s career was on the downswing. After a stellar first three seasons in Tampa Bay, Foster regressed badly in his fourth season and didn’t appear to fit in well enough at middle linebacker for the team. While his counting stats were good, he was a bit slow with play recognition and in coverage and that limited his capabilities as the middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense.

So, he was allowed to walk after the season. The Chicago Bears inked Foster to a one-year deal but released him before the start of the season. In late September, the Redskins, desperate for inside linebacker help, signed Foster to shore up things on that side of the ball. He didn’t disappoint. As he got more comfortable in the system, the team saw flashes of the player he once was. And as time went on, he only got better.

For the past two seasons, Foster has been a very solid starter for the team. He racked up a lot of tackles during the 2016 campaign and he shored up his coverage ability as well to become a well-rounded player. He has few weaknesses and can be relied on as a solid starter. The one question about him right now is that he is coming off a shoulder injury that sidelined him for half of the 2017 season. Still, his performance in the first half next to Zach Brown was great and he deserves praise for that.

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The Redskins are going to have to decide whether or not they want to keep Foster. As previously mentioned in the Will Compton slide, the team does have a lot of young talent at the position. But, keeping a veteran around would provide them insurance in case none of the guys turn into pro caliber starters. For that reason, keeping Foster makes sense.

At the same time, if Foster gets a big offer from another team, the Redskins won’t want to match. Foster is probably best served signing a deal worth $2-$3 million per season, which would be a raise from the $1.25 million he’s currently making. But if someone likes him more than that, the Redskins will have to let him go.

At the end of the day, it seems likely that Foster will want to return to the Redskins. He’s had success here, and he should have a good running mate in this defense. Expect the team to do what they can to bring back the veteran linebacker.

Prediction: Will re-sign with the Redskins

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