WEDNESDAY, 3:26pm: The Bears have officially signed Foster, the team announced today (via Twitter).
TUESDAY, 5:15pm: It’s a one-year deal for Foster, tweets Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune.
4:43pm: The Bears have reached an agreement with free agent linebacker Mason Foster, according to Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Jen Lada of CSNChicago.com, who reported nearly two weeks ago that Foster and the Bears were getting close to a three-year deal, tweeted this afternoon that Foster was “finally in.”
Foster, who turned 26 earlier in March, appeared in 10 games for the Buccaneers last season and started all of them. In that time, he recorded 62 total tackles and three pass deflections. The former third-round pick also impressed with 105 tackles in 2012, and 92 tackles – to go along with three interceptions and two sacks – in 2013.
For the Bears, it’s their third notable defensive addition of the day, as they continue to add talent to fit new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio‘s 3-4 scheme. The team also agreed to terms with defensive linemen Jarvis Jenkins and Ray McDonald today. When Jenkins’ deal was reported, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune noted that Jenkins and Foster had been texting frequently, indicating that the linebacker was a good bet to land in Chicago.
Foster also reportedly drew interest from the Dolphins and 49ers.