Redskins release veteran linebacker Mason Foster, per reports

In an unexpected twist to the 2019 offseason, the Redskins have cut ties with a longtime defensive starter.

The Washington Redskins have long searched for the answer at the inside linebacker position, and still, a sustainable solution eludes them. Throughout Jay Gruden’s tenure, the position has seen many faces, including Keenan Robinson, Will Compton, and Mason Foster.

Foster was, for most of Gruden’s tenure, a rare, steady constant at linebacker. Not necessarily by the standards of his play alone, but by his availability. Three out of his four seasons with the Redskins, Foster was a starter for at least 13 games, and he logged over 120 tackles in two of those seasons.

But Foster’s level of play sharply declined down the stretch, particularly in the 2018 season, and now, it appears his days suiting up in burgundy and gold are over. Per D.C. sports anchor Erin Hawksworth, the Redskins have informed Foster of his impending release from the squad.

Foster’s release confirms that Shaun Dion Hamilton will be a starter for the team in 2019, and it’s likely that offseason addition Jon Bostic joins him as the second starting inside linebacker. Bostic is a similar player to Foster; he’s a good run defender, but lacks instincts and speed in coverage. However, Bostic is two years younger than Foster and considerably cheaper, when factoring relative impact into account.

Foster was set to earn $4.25 million in 2019, per Spotrac, and his release at this juncture frees up $4 million in cap space, with only a dead cap hit of $250,000. This release could be the first of several, in order to prepare for potential extensions, or it could simply be a move catalyzed by Foster’s vocal disdain for the team last season and his relationship with coaches, as well as his poor play.

Whatever the case, the Redskins have cut loose a financial liability, but now, they are dangerously thin at linebacker. Behind Dion Hamilton and Bostic, who are both far from proven as starters, the team has Josh Harvey-Clemons, a still-developing project, Cole Holcomb, a raw fifth-round rookie, Marquise Flowers, a veteran with some utility but a shaky track record, and B.J. Blunt, an undersized, yet intriguing undrafted free agent.

What will become of the Redskins inside linebacker position now that its longest-tenured member by two years is now out the door? Stick with us here at Riggo’s Rag, as we’ll provide you with more opinions and analyses, as well as any updates stemming from this surprising release.