The Washington Redskins have more free agents than just quarterback Kirk Cousins -- and they took care of one of them Thursday, re-signing inside linebacker Mason Foster to a two-year deal.
He tweeted a picture of himself signing his new contract.
HailGang🐺 pic.twitter.com/35X88XHaeG
— Mason_Foster (@Mason_Foster) January 25, 2018
The contract is for two years and $4 million, according to a source. With incentives, it could be worth up to $7 million over the two years.
"I know the type of guys we have in the room," Foster told ESPN. "I know the coaches we have and I want to make something happen. It wasn't about money, nothing besides this is my family. These guys have been here for me. When I was hurt, all these guys were there for me.
"I want to leave my mark in D.C. before I walk away from football."
Foster started four games but tore a labrum in his shoulder in Week 2 vs. the Los Angeles Rams -- sealing the win with an interception -- and eventually needed surgery, ending his season after five games. The Redskins wanted to bring him back because he can play both inside linebacker positions. Down the stretch in 2016, Foster was arguably their best defensive player.
Foster said he should be fully recovered by the time practices start in the spring.
Foster originally joined Washington in the summer of 2015, after being released by Chicago. He has started 22 games since that time, playing both positions inside.
After he was placed on injured reserve this season, Foster sent out a series of tweets expressing dissatisfaction with how his situation was handled, saying he had nothing against the coaches or trainers. But he later met with team president Bruce Allen and said all was well.
His return helps solidify the interior, though questions do remain. The Redskins want to re-sign linebacker Zach Brown, and started having discussions with his representatives before the season ended. Will Compton is another free-agent inside linebacker who has started for Washington.