Mason Foster

Foster attended Seaside High School, where he played for the Seaside Spartans high school football team, leading them to a 12–1 overall record, a 5–0 league record, a Monterey Bay league title, and the CIF Central Coast Section small school championship in 2006. Foster led a defense that allowed just six points per game during the regular season and recorded four shutouts, as well as taking over at quarterback midway through the season. Foster was named the Monterey County player of the year by the Monterey Herald, defensive player of the year by the Salinas Californian, an All-Central Coast Section first-team linebacker by the San Jose Mercury News, and CalHiSports all-state first-team for 2006. He was ranked the No. 68 linebacker recruit in the country by Rivals.com.

Considered a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, Foster was listed as the No. 68 outside linebacker in the nation in 2007.{{cite web | title=Mason Foster, 2007 Outside Linebacker, Washington | website=Rivals.com | date=2006-12-05 | url=https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/mason-foster-25334?view=pv | access-date=2024-10-09}}

As a true freshman in 2007, Foster played in all 13 games, starting four games including three at weakside linebacker and one at middle linebacker.

As a sophomore in 2008, Foster started all 12 at one outside linebacker spot, leading the Pac-10 Conference in tackles per game with 8.75 and topped the University of Washington Huskies with 12.0 tackles for a loss. Foster earned honorable mention All-Pac-10 as well as being named the Huskies' team MVP (Defense).

As a junior in 2009, Foster started all 12 of the Huskies' games at one linebacker spot, finishing second on the team with 85 total tackles while leading the Pac-10 with six forced fumbles. Named honorable mention All-Pac-10 as well as The Sporting News All-Pac-10 first-team.

As a senior in 2010, Foster started all 13 of the Huskies' games at linebacker, recording 162 tackles (12.46/gm) finishing second in FBS. Foster was named an All-American.{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2010 |title=Scout.com 2010 All-America Team |url=http://collegefootball.scout.com/2/1027197.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102035950/http://collegefootball.scout.com/2/1027197.html |archive-date=November 2, 2012 |access-date=December 19, 2010 |publisher=Collegefootball.Scout.com}} Earned Defensive MVP honors for the 2011 Holiday Bowl in a win over Nebraska.{{Cite web |date=December 31, 2010 |title=Holiday Bowl: After deadline... |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2010/12/holiday-bowl-after-deadline.html |access-date=May 2, 2011 |publisher=LosAngelesTimes}} Was invited to, and played in the 2011 Senior Bowl.{{Cite web |date=January 9, 2011 |title=Under Armour Senior Bowl Lands Locker, Foster |url=http://www.seniorbowl.com/article.asp?articleID=265 |access-date=January 30, 2011 |publisher=SeniorBowl.com}}

Prior to the Senior Bowl, Foster was projected to be a third or fourth round pick by the majority of NFL draft experts and scouts. On January 29, 2011, Foster played in the 2011 Senior Bowl and raised his draft stock after an impressive performance.{{Cite web |date=January 28, 2011 |title=Senior Bowl notes: Whose stock is up? |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/pac10/post/_/id/18608/senior-bowl-notes-whose-stock-is-up |access-date=March 1, 2011 |website=ESPN.com}} He attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and was considered to be a top performer among his position group. On March 31, 2011, Foster attended Washington's pro day and chose to run to the 40-yard dash (4.74s), 20-yard dash (2.73s), 10-yard dash (1.62s), vertical jump (30.5"), short shuttle (4.48s), and three-cone drill (7.14s). At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Foster was projected to be a third or fourth round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts.{{Cite web |last=Floyd, Brian |date=February 28, 2011 |title=2011 NFL Combine Results: Von Miller Posts Fast 40 Time, Mason Foster A Top Performer |url=https://www.seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/2/28/2021196/2011-nfl-combine-results-von-miller-40-time-mason-foster-linebackers |access-date=August 5, 2018 |website=seattle.sbnation.com}} He was ranked as the tenth best outside linebacker prospect in the draft by DraftScout.com.{{Cite web |title=Mason Foster, DS #10 OLB, Washington |url=http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=69922&DraftYear=2011 |access-date=August 7, 2018 |website=DraftScout.com}}

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 1 1/4

| weight = 245

| dash = 4.74

| ten split = 1.62

| twenty split = 2.73

| shuttle = 4.45

| cone drill = 7.14

| vertical = 31

| broad ft = 9

| broad in = 2

| bench = 22

| wonderlic =

| arm span = 31

| hand span = 9 5/8

| note = All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day{{Citation |title=Mason Foster Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/mason-foster/3200464f-5349-3155-2b09-f2343abe068f |work=NFL.com |access-date=March 1, 2011}}

}}

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Foster in the third round (84th overall) of the 2011 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/draft.htm |access-date=February 26, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Foster was the 11th outside linebacker drafted in 2011.{{Cite web |date=April 29, 2011 |title=Former Huskies linebacker Mason Foster drafted by Tampa Bay Buccaneers |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/huskyfootball/2014915647_draftlocals30.html?prmid=head_main |access-date=April 29, 2011 |publisher=Seattle Times}}{{Cite web |date=April 29, 2011 |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers, Washington OLB Mason Foster in second, third rounds |url=http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/tampa-bay-buccaneers-select-clemson-de-daquan-bowers-in-second-round-of/1166879 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502134810/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/tampa-bay-buccaneers-select-clemson-de-daquan-bowers-in-second-round-of/1166879 |archive-date=May 2, 2011 |access-date=April 29, 2011 |publisher=Tampabay.com}}

On July 29, 2011, the Buccaneers signed Foster to a four-year, $2.78 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $525,000.{{Cite web |title=Spotrac.com: Mason Foster contract |url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/washington-redskins/mason-foster-7803/ |access-date=August 7, 2018 |website=Spotrac.com}}

File:Mason foster bucs.jpg

Throughout training camp, Foster competed to be the starting middle linebacker against Tyrone McKenzie.{{Cite web |date=September 2, 2011 |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers release Tyrone McKenzie. Fans go 'What!?' |url=https://www.bucsnation.com/2011/9/2/2400470/tampa-bay-buccaneers-release-tyrone-mckenzie-fans-go-what |access-date=August 7, 2018 |website=bucsnation.com}} His development and conversion to middle linebacker was delayed due to the 2011 NFL lockout. On August 24, 2011, Foster was fined $20,000 for a hit he delivered to Chad Ochocinco during the Buccaneers' 31–14 loss to the New England Patriots in their second preseason game. Ochocinco offered to pay the fine for him, as he disagreed with the league's decision, but the league stated that he would not be able to.{{Cite news |last=Smith, Michael David |date=August 24, 2011 |title=Mason Foster fined $20,000 for hit on Ochocinco |work=profootballtalk.com |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/08/24/mason-foster-fined-20000-for-hit-on-ochocinco/ |access-date=August 24, 2011}} Head coach Raheem Morris named Foster the starting middle linebacker to begin the regular season after he had an impressive showing during the preseason.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart: 09/04/2011 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/123/TB |access-date=August 7, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com}}

He made his professional regular season debut in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' season-opener against the Detroit Lions and recorded seven combined tackles in their 27–20 loss. On September 18, 2011, Foster made his first career start and collected a season-high ten combined tackles (seven solo), forced a fumble, and made his first career sack during a 24–20 victory at the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. Foster made his first career sack on Vikings' quarterback Donovan McNabb for a six-yard loss in the second quarter.{{Cite web |title=NFL Game Center: Week 2-2011: Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Minnesota Vikings |url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011091806/2011/REG2/buccaneers@vikings |access-date=August 7, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} In Week 14, he recorded six combined tackles, deflected a pass, and made his first career interception in the Buccaneers' 41–14 loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars. Foster made his first career interception off a pass by Jaguars' quarterback Blaine Gabbert, that was originally intended for tight end Marcedes Lewis, in the endzone to secure a touchback during the third quarter.{{Cite web |title=NFL Game Center: Week 14-2011: Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Jacksonville Jaguars |url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011121108/2011/REG14/buccaneers@jaguars |access-date=August 7, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} He finished his rookie season in 2011 with 84 combined tackles (58 solo), two pass deflections, two sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception in 16 games and 15 starts.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Mason Foster (career) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/masonfoster/2495281/careerstats |access-date=August 7, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}

On January 2, 2012, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired head coach Raheem Morris after they finished the 2011 season with a 4–12 record.{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2012 |title=Bucs fire coach Raheem Morris |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7413905/tampa-bay-buccaneers-fire-coach-raheem-morris-10-game-losing-skid |access-date=August 7, 2018 |website=ESPN.com}} Foster entered training camp as the starting middle linebacker and saw competition from Adam Hayward after defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan chose to try Foster out as an outside linebacker.{{Cite web |date=April 19, 2012 |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Mason Foster remains in the middle … for now |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/tampa-bay-buccaneers-linebacker-mason-foster-remains-in-the-middle-8230/1225890 |access-date=August 7, 2018 |website=TampaBay.com}} Head coach Greg Schiano named Foster the starting middle linebacker to begin the regular season, alongside outside linebackers Quincy Black and Lavonte David.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart: 09/01/2012 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/135/TB |access-date=August 7, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com}}

On September 16, 2012, Foster collected a season-high 13 combined tackles (12 solo), a pass deflection, and an interception during a 41–34 loss at the New York Giants in Week 2. Foster intercepted a pass by quarterback Eli Manning, that was intended for tight end Martellus Bennett, during the second quarter.{{Cite web |title=NFL Game Center :Week 2-2012 :Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New York Giants |url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2012091600/2012/REG2/buccaneers@giants |access-date=August 7, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} In Week 17, he collected 12 combined tackles (11 solo) during a 22–17 win at the Atlanta Falcons.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Mason Foster (2012) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/masonfoster/2495281/gamelogs?season=2012 |access-date=August 8, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} He started in all 16 games in 2012 and recorded 105 combined tackles (82 solo), two sacks, a pass deflection, and an interception.

Foster returned as the starting middle linebacker to begin the regular season in 2013, alongside Lavonte David and Dekoda Watson.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart: 09/05/2013 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/150/TB |access-date=August 8, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com}} He started in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' season-opener at the New York Jets and recorded eight combined tackles and two sacks in their 18–17 loss. He made two sacks on quarterback Geno Smith.{{Cite web |title=NFL Game Center: Week 1–2013: Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New York Jets |url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2013090807/2013/REG1/buccaneers@jets |access-date=August 8, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} On September 15, 2013, Foster made seven combined tackles, a season-high two pass deflections, and returned an interception for his first career touchdown during a 16–14 loss against the New Orleans Saints. Foster intercepted a pass by Saints' quarterback Drew Brees, which was originally intended for tight end Jimmy Graham, and returned it for an 85-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.{{Cite web |title=NFL Game Center: Week 2-2013: New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers |url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2013091510/2013/REG2/saints@buccaneers |access-date=August 8, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} In Week 11, he recorded three combined tackles, broke up a pass, and returned an interception for a touchdown before exiting in the second quarter of the Buccaneers' 41–28 victory against the Atlanta Falcons after sustaining a concussion. Foster intercepted a pass by Falcons' quarterback Matt Ryan, that was intended for fullback Patrick DiMarco, and returned it for a 37-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Foster sustained a concussion after colliding with teammate Dashon Goldson and was inactive for the Buccaneers' Week 12 victory at the Detroit Lions.{{Cite web |last=Philipse, Sanders |date=November 17, 2013 |title=Mason Foster Injury: Buccaneers linebacker leaves Falcons game with concussions |url=https://www.bucsnation.com/2013/11/17/5114994/mason-foster-injury-buccaneers-linebacker-leaves-falcons-game-with |access-date=August 8, 2018 |website=bucsnation.com}} On December 1, 2013, Foster collected a season-high 11 combined tackles (five solo) during a 27–6 loss at the Carolina Panthers in Week 13.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Mason Foster (2013) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/masonfoster/2495281/gamelogs?season=2013 |access-date=August 8, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} On December 30, 2013, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired head coach Greg Schiano after they finished the season with a 4–12 record.{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2013 |title=Buccaneers fire Greg Schiano |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/buccaneers-fire-greg-schiano/story?id=21369793 |access-date=August 8, 2018 |website=abcnews.com}} He finished the 2013 season with 92 combined tackles (63 solo), seven pass deflections, three pass deflections, two interceptions, two sacks, and two touchdowns in 15 games and 13 starts.

Foster entered training camp slated as the starting middle linebacker. Head coach Lovie Smith named Foster the starting middle linebacker to begin the regular season, along with outside linebackers Lavonte David and Jonathan Casillas.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart: 09/01/2014 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/162/TB |access-date=August 8, 2018 |website=ourlads.com}} Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier implemented a defense that deployed the Tampa 2 which stressed the use of the middle linebacker in pass coverage. On September 14, 2014, Foster recorded two solo tackles before exiting in the second quarter of the Buccaneers' 17–14 loss to the Miami Dolphins after injuring his shoulder. He was inactive for three games (Weeks 3–5) after it was confirmed he had dislocated his shoulder.{{Cite web |last=Philipse, Sanders |date=September 15, 2014 |title=Mason Foster injury: Dislocated shoulder, out for several weeks? |url=https://www.bucsnation.com/2014/9/15/6154611/mason-foster-injury-dislocated-shoulders-out-for-several-weeks |access-date=August 15, 2018 |website=bucsnation.com}} On November 9, 2014, he collected a season-high nine combined tackles during a 27–17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 10. He was inactive for two games (Weeks 14–15) after injuring his Achilles tendon.{{Cite web |date=December 26, 2014 |title=Dec 25 New Orleans Saints Versus Tampa Bay Buccaneers Injury Report |url=https://whodatwarriors.com/2014/12/25/dec-25-new-orleans-saints-versus-tampa-bay-buccaneers-injury-report/ |access-date=August 15, 2018 |website=whodatwarriors.com}} Foster was sidelined for the Buccaneers' Week 17 loss to the New Orleans Saints after aggravating his Achilles tendon injury.{{Cite web |last=Philipse, Sanders |date=December 26, 2014 |title=Saints vs. Buccaneers injury report: No Mason Foster, Terron Armstead |url=http://www.bucsnation.com/2014/12/26/7451739/saints-vs-buccaneers-injury-report-no-mason-foster-terron-armstead |access-date=August 15, 2018}} He finished the 2014 season with 62 combined tackles (40 solo) and two pass deflections in ten games and ten starts.

{{quote box

|align=right

|width=100%

|quote=“Mason is a tough, physical, smart inside linebacker. He sees plays develop. He plays downhill and he’s a very strong tackler at the point of impact. The good thing about Mason is not only can he play in the 4–3 as a Mike or a Sam, but he can play in the 3–4 at either middle linebacker spot. He has versatility to play for just about any defense in the league. I don’t think people realize how smart he is. He really does understand defenses. He can make the calls, get guys lined up. That’s a very valuable thing when you look at middle linebackers.”{{Cite web |last=Jones, Ross |date=March 4, 2015 |title=Why Bucs LB Mason Foster is flying under radar in free agency |url=https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/tampa-bay-buccaneers-free-agency-mason-foster-atlanta-falcons-chicago-bears-030415 |access-date=August 15, 2018 |website=FoxSports.com}}

|source=–Mark Dominik Buccaneer's GM

}}

Foster became an unrestricted free agent in 2015 and received interest from the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers.{{Cite web |title=Mason Foster agrees to terms with Chicago Bears, removing him from 49ers pool |url=https://www.ninersnation.com/2015/3/24/8285871/mason-foster-signs-bears-49ers-linebackers-free-agency-2015 |access-date=August 15, 2018 |website=ninersnation.com|date=March 24, 2015 }}

On March 24, 2015, the Chicago Bears signed Foster to a one-year, $825,000 contract that includes $250,000 guaranteed and a signing bonus of $80,000.{{Cite web |title=Bears sign Mason Foster to 1-year deal |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-sign-Mason-Foster-to-1-year-deal/76437562-5811-41ff-9da0-d75a94c41abb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328122843/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-sign-Mason-Foster-to-1-year-deal/76437562-5811-41ff-9da0-d75a94c41abb |archive-date=March 28, 2015 |access-date=March 28, 2015}}{{Cite web |last=Biggs, Brad |date=April 7, 2015 |title=Updates: Bears free-agency contract breakdowns |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-free-agency-contract-breakdown-20150327-story.html |access-date=August 15, 2018 |website=ChicagoTribune.com}}

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio held an open competition to name starting inside linebackers. Foster competed against Jon Bostic, Shea McClellin, Sam Acho, and Christian Jones.{{Cite web |date=May 15, 2015 |title=Who Will Win Chicago Bears' Inside Linebacker Battle? |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2466804-who-will-win-chicago-bears-inside-linebacker-battle |access-date=August 15, 2018 |website=BleacherReport.com}} On September 4, 2015, the Chicago Bears waived Foster as part of their final roster cuts.{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=September 5, 2015 |title=Bears make cuts to reduce roster to 53 |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-make-cuts-to-reduce-roster-to-53/ca05e586-e3b2-4a29-9302-a3e795dfd313 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907175031/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-make-cuts-to-reduce-roster-to-53/ca05e586-e3b2-4a29-9302-a3e795dfd313 |archive-date=September 7, 2015 |access-date=September 19, 2015 |website=ChicagoBears.com}}

On September 29, 2015, the Washington Redskins signed Foster to a one-year, $745,000 contract.{{Cite web |last=Czarda |first=Stephen |title=Redskins Sign Dunbar, Foster; Lauvao, Rogers Placed On IR |url=http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Redskins-Sign-Dunbar-Foster-Lauvao-Rogers-Placed-On-IR/1d80c066-1cee-44a2-ad81-363d011d7d62 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001034800/http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Redskins-Sign-Dunbar-Foster-Lauvao-Rogers-Placed-On-IR/1d80c066-1cee-44a2-ad81-363d011d7d62 |archive-date=October 1, 2015 |access-date=September 29, 2015 |publisher=Redskins.com}} Head coach Jay Gruden named Foster the backup inside linebacker to start the regular season, behind Perry Riley and Keenan Robinson.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Washington Redskins Depth Chart: 10/01/2015 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/176/WAS |access-date=August 15, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com}}

On December 7, 2015, Foster earned his first start of the season and recorded seven combined tackles during a 19–16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football.{{Cite news |last=Tesfatsion |first=Master |title=Mason Foster expected to start at inside linebacker against Cowboys |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2015/12/07/mason-foster-expected-to-start-at-inside-linebacker-against-cowboys/ |access-date=December 8, 2015 |newspaper=Washington Post}} Foster started the last five games of the regular season (Weeks 13–17) after Perry Riley broke the fifth metatarsal in his foot and underwent surgery.{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2015 |title=Redskins LB Perry Riley Jr. Has Foot Surgery, Out 3–6 Weeks |url=https://washington.cbslocal.com/2015/12/04/redskins-lb-perry-riley-jr-has-foot-surgery-out-3-6-weeks/ |access-date=August 15, 2018 |website=washington.cbslocal.com}}{{Cite web |last=Keim |first=John |title=Redskins, Mason Foster agree to two-year deal |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14933799/washington-redskins-re-sign-linebacker-mason-foster |access-date=March 10, 2016 |website=ESPN|date=March 9, 2016 }} In Week 16, he collected a season-high eight combined tackles in the Redskins' 38–24 win at the Philadelphia Eagles. He finished the 2015 season with 37 combined tackles (25 solo) in 13 games and five starts.

The Washington Redskins finished first in the NFC East with a 9–7 record and earned a wildcard berth. On January 10, 2016, Foster started in his first career playoff game and recorded nine combined tackles in the Redskins' 35–18 loss to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wildcard Game.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Mason Foster (2015) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/masonfoster/2495281/gamelogs?season=2015 |access-date=August 15, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}

On March 9, 2016, the Washington Redskins signed Foster to a two-year, $2.50 million contract with a signing bonus of $350,000.

Throughout training camp, Foster competed against Perry Riley to be the starting inside linebacker.{{Cite web |date=March 9, 2016 |title=Redskins Re-Sign LB Mason Foster, Perry Riley's Future in Doubt? |url=https://washington.cbslocal.com/2016/03/09/redskins-mason-foster/ |access-date=August 15, 2018 |website=washington.cbslocal.com}} Head coach Jay Gruden named Foster and Will Compton the starting inside linebackers to begin the regular season in 2016, along with outside linebackers Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith.{{Cite web |title=Redskins release first depth chart of 2016 season |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/washington-commanders/article/redskins-release-first-depth-chart-of-2016-season-47257110/ |access-date=August 15, 2018 |website=247sports.com}}

He started in the Washington Redskins' season-opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers and recorded 14 combined tackles (nine solo) in their 38–16 loss.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Washington Redskins - September 12th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609120was.htm |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On January 1, 2017, Foster collected a career-high 17 combined tackles (15 solo) during a 19–10 loss to the New York Giants in Week 17.{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at Washington Redskins - January 1st, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701010was.htm |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He finished the 2016 season with 124 combined tackles (89 solo), three pass deflections, and a sack in 16 games and 13 starts.{{Cite web |title=Mason Foster 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FostMa00/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On January 5, 2017, the Washington Redskins fired defensive coordinator Joe Barry.{{Cite web |last=Jones, Mike |date=January 5, 2017 |title=Redskins fire Joe Barry, will look for new coordinator to revive defense |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/redskins-fire-joe-barry-will-look-for-new-coordinator-to-revive-defense/2017/01/05/e50d302a-d383-11e6-945a-76f69a399dd5_story.html |access-date=August 15, 2018 |website=WashingtonPost.com}} During training camp, Foster competed to be a starting inside linebacker against Will Compton.{{Cite web |last=Tyler, Mark |date=May 30, 2017 |title=Mason Foster Will be the Redskins Starting MIKE Linebacker Opposite Zach Brown – Fantasy or Reality? |url=https://www.hogshaven.com/2017/5/30/15711310/mason-foster-will-be-the-redskins-starting-mike-linebacker-opposite |access-date=August 15, 2018 |website=HogsHeaven.com}} Head coach Jay Gruden named Foster and Zach Brown the starting inside linebackers to begin the regular season, along with outside linebackers Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Washington Redskins Depth Chart: 10/01/2017 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/200/WAS |access-date=August 15, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com}}

{{external media

| video1 =

[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000846971/Mason-Foster-intercepts-Jared-Goff-to-seal-the-game Mason Foster intercepts Jared Goff to sea the game]

| video2 =

[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000841478/Mason-Foster-recovers-fumble-on-bad-pass-by-Carson-Wentz Foster recovers fumble on bad pass by Carson Wentz]

}}

He started in the Washington Redskins' season-opener against the Philadelphia Eagles and collected a season-high nine combined tackles and recovered a Carson Wentz fumble in the first quarter of their 30–17 loss.{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins – September 10th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100was.htm |access-date=October 7, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} On September 17, 2017, Foster made six combined tackles, a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass by Rams' quarterback Jared Goff late in the fourth quarter of the 27–20 victory at the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2.{{Cite web |last=Kring-Schreifels |first=Jake |title=Ryan Grant, Mason Foster Come Up Big In Final Minutes To Beat The Rams |url=http://www.redskins.com/news/article-1/Ryan-Grant-Mason-Foster-Come-Up-Big-In-Final-Minutes-To-Beat-The-Rams/9357b809-7fcf-4901-9829-aa7791e215eb |access-date=September 18, 2017 |website=Redskins.com}} He was inactive during the Redskins' Week 3 victory against the Oakland Raiders due to a shoulder injury.{{Cite web |last=Jennings, Scott |date=September 24, 2017 |title=Redskins vs Raiders Inactives: Jordan Reed, Rob Kelley, Mason Foster OUT |url=https://www.hogshaven.com/2017/9/24/16358970/redskins-vs-raiders-inactives-jordan-reed-rob-kelley-mason-foster-out |access-date=August 15, 2018 |website=HogsHeaven.com}} On October 28, 2017, the Washington Redskins officially placed Foster on injured reserve due to a torn labrum he sustained in Week 2.{{Cite web |last=Czarda, Stephen |date=October 28, 2017 |title=Redskins Sign Arie Kouandjio And Orlando Franklin |url=http://www.redskins.com/news/article-1/Redskins-Sign-Arie-Kouandjio-And-Orlando-Franklin/44015d4a-9122-4a3f-a0d1-47aba0e61110 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101190724/http://www.redskins.com/news/article-1/Redskins-Sign-Arie-Kouandjio-And-Orlando-Franklin/44015d4a-9122-4a3f-a0d1-47aba0e61110 |archive-date=November 1, 2017 |website=Redskins.com}} He finished the season with 31 combined tackles (22 solo), a pass deflection, an interception, and was credited with half a sack in five games and four starts.{{Cite web |title=Mason Foster 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FostMa00/gamelog/2017/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

File:Mason Foster 2018.jpg in 2018]]

On January 25, 2018, Foster signed a two-year, $3.4 million contract.{{Cite web |last=Bergman, Jeremy |date=January 25, 2018 |title=Redskins re-sign LB Mason Foster to two-year deal |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000910443/article/washington-redskins-resign-lb-mason-foster |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126130352/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000910443/article/washington-redskins-resign-lb-mason-foster |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 26, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} In Week 8, Foster collected a season-high 13 combined tackles (nine solo) during a 20–13 win at the New York Giants.{{Cite web |title=Washington Redskins at New York Giants – October 28th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201810280nyg.htm |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Foster started in all 16 games in 2018, and recorded a career-high 131 combined tackles (81 solo), four pass deflections, two interceptions, and a sack.{{Cite web |title=Mason Foster 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FostMa00/gamelog/2018/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Foster was released by the team on July 23, 2019.{{Cite web |last=Reardon |first=Logan |date=July 23, 2019 |title=Redskins release veteran linebacker Mason Foster |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/redskins-release-veteran-linebacker-mason-foster-0ap3000001036631 |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=NFL.com}}

• Washington Huskies football statistical leaders

{{Reflist}}

{{commons}}

• {{Football stats |nfl=2495281 |espn=14023 |pfr=F/FostMa00}}
• [http://www.gohuskies.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=30200&ATCLID=208223594 Washington Huskies bio]

{{Buccaneers2011DraftPicks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Foster, Mason}}

Category:1989 births

Category:Living people

Category:People from Seaside, California

Category:Players of American football from Monterey County, California

Category:American football linebackers

Category:Washington Huskies football players

Category:Tampa Bay Buccaneers players

Category:Chicago Bears players

Category:Washington Redskins players