Mason Foster, Redskins Agree to New 2-Year Contract

Linebacker Mason Foster signed a two-year contract to remain with the Washington Redskins on Thursday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. 

Rapoport added that Foster's base salary will be $4 million over two years, but he can earn as much as $7 million over the life of the deal.

Foster spent the past three seasons with the Redskins following a four-year stint as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After playing somewhat sparingly in 2015, Foster enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2016. He started 13 of the 16 games he appeared in and registered a career-high 123 tackles with one sack and one forced fumble.

Foster was limited to just five games last season, though, as he landed on injured reserve due to a torn labrum.

The 28-year-old veteran had 30 tackles and one interception prior to the injury, and the Redskins undoubtedly missed his presence for the remainder of the campaign.

Washington finished the season 21st in total defense (347.9 yards per game) and tied for 27th in scoring defense (24.2 points per game).

Foster was a third-round pick by Tampa Bay in the 2011 NFL draft out of the University of Washington, and he served as a starter in each of his first four seasons in the league.

His best season may have come in 2013 when he finished with 92 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns.

Foster only has one interception since leaving Tampa, but he is a sure-handed tackler who has proved to be an asset against the run.

Although Washington grew used to playing without Foster in 2017, re-signing him should allow the Redskins to avoid having a major hole in the middle of their defense.

With Zach Brown hitting free agency, Foster's return ensures there is still depth at inside linebacker, as Martrell Spaight, Josh Harvey-Clemons and Zach Vigil remain on the roster too.

Other possibilities could be pursued through the draft or free agency, but signing Foster should allow the Redskins to address other areas of need during the offseason.