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Middle linebacker has been a sore spot for the Chicago Bears since Brian Urlacher last patrolled the middle of Chicago's defense. With the team switching to a 3-4 defense, they no longer need to find his heir apparent, but they do need to identify 2 inside linebackers that can start in 2015.
They may have found one with their latest free agent signing of former Buccaneer Mason Foster.
As reported earlier here;
In other news, Mason Foster is finally in. No more tea leaves. #Bears
— Jen Lada (@JenLada) March 24, 2015
Then again here;
Agent says deal agreed to by Mason Foster to join Bears. @JenLada reported this earlier.
— Michael C. Wright (@mikecwright) March 24, 2015
And even (kind of) by Foster himself in these tweets;
@Jarvis99jenkins oh yeah WE ON NOW
— Mason_Foster (@Mason_Foster) March 24, 2015
Kash been reppin tho lol #HeAlwaysKnew pic.twitter.com/CdYgMRaM9K
— Mason_Foster (@Mason_Foster) March 24, 2015
EDIT: The Bears have finally made Foster's signing official, inking him to a one year deal.
The 26 year old Foster played middle linebacker in Lovie Smith's Tampa 2 scheme last season and it probably wasn't the best fit for him. After being a 3rd round draft pick in 2011, Foster became an immediate starter for the Bucs. Injuries and the new scheme caused Foster to have his worst season as a pro in 2014. He only played in 10 games last year making 62 tackles, but his tackle numbers the previous three seasons were 92, 105 and 84 as a rookie.
Coming out of Washington, many scouts figured the 6'2", 245 pound Foster would be targeted by 3-4 teams to play inside linebacker. He has good instincts, with the quickness and strength to fight downhill to make tackles, but his sideline to side line speed and his ability to turn and cover has been questioned. This makes him a logical fit for the Mike ILB in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's 3-4 scheme with the Bears.
What are your thoughts on the latest Bear?