The Washington Redskins released veteran inside linebacker Mason Foster on Tuesday, a day before the team reports for training camp in Richmond, according to multiple reports.
The move clears the Redskins $4 million in salary cap space, but leaves them even thinner at the position. Washington lost linebacker Reuben Foster to a torn ACL in the spring and now without Mason Foster, the team will rely on veteran Jon Bostic, second-year Shaun Dion Hamilton, rookie Cole Holcomb and nickel specialist Josh Harvey-Clemons.
Foster had appeared in 50 games for the Redskins over the last four years, starting 38 of them. But his play was inconsistent at times, as opposing teams would often target him in pass coverage. Still, the 30-year-old was an important contributor and finished with 131 tackles in 2018.
Last year, Foster found himself in a social media controversy when leaked screenshots of a private conversation showed the linebacker saying “f—- this team and f— this fanbase,” while including laughing emojis. The Redskins stood by Foster, who apologized for the comments.
Foster showed up to the Redskins this spring noticeably slimmer. He told reporters that he lost 15 pounds and felt the difference right away.
After Reuben Foster’s injury, Washington added Bostic, a 28-year-old who started 14 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers last year.
Besides Bostic, the Redskins are relatively young at inside linebacker. Hamilton turns 24 in September, while Holcomb turns 23 next week. Harvey-Clemons, who has been with the Redskins since 2017, is 25.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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