Washington Football Team: 3 replacements for Jon Bostic after season-ending injury

2. Reuben Foster

With Jamie Collins nearing a deal with the Patriots — his third (!) go around with the six-time champs — the free agent market is fully bereft of marquee talents. It’s unfortunate for Washington, but not all that surprising considering we’re entering Week 5 of the campaign.

At this stage, you’re mostly looking at aging journeymen, practice squad stashes or former touted prospects that never quite panned out in the NFL. That brings us to Reuben Foster. Anyone intrigued by throwing a dart at the 27-year-old?

The former first-round pick has been out of the league since 2018, but he worked out for Cleveland as recently as last month, so he’s clearly looking for an opportunity. It is worth noting, though, that Foster has his fair share of off-the-field demons.

Washington actually claimed Foster off waivers in 2018 after the 49ers released him following a domestic violence arrest, so it’s not like the franchise wouldn’t know what its getting into. He didn’t play again that season, but was in position to fight for a roster spot on the 2019 defense. However, he suffered a major knee injury in his first practice and Washington opted against re-signing him that offseason.

While it’s risky to sign a player who hasn’t appeared in an NFL game in nearly three years, Foster is one of the top options available. People forget he was extremely productive for San Francisco, tallying 101 tackles (10 for loss), seven QB hits, and two passes defended over 16 games.

Think about it like this. The linebacker position has been a disaster for Washington and Foster qualifies as a low-risk, high-reward signing. If he pans out, great. If he doesn’t, would anybody really be surprised?

The least Washington can do is bring him in for a workout.