The San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins share a lot of DNA, but the Dolphins could add another former Niner in the near future. Linebacker Reuben Foster was a former San Francisco first-round pick who did not pan out. But he might get another chance with the Dolphins.
Foster is scheduled to visit Miami for a workout on December 6, according to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter. Foster hasn’t played in the NFL since 2018, but he did play for the USFL’s Pittsburgh Maulers earlier this year.
“Former 49ers’ first-round pick Reuben Foster, who has played for the USFL’s Pittsburgh Maulers after spending time in the NFL with San Francisco and Washington, is scheduled to work out Wednesday for the Miami Dolphins,” Schefter wrote on Twitter.
Foster was a first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 after starring at Alabama. His off-the-field issues, however, cut his time with San Francisco short and eventually forced him to leave the league for several years.
The Dolphins believe Foster deserves a chance for one reason or another. Good linebackers are hard to come by, and reviving Foster could be a sneaky way for the team to improve.
Foster’s career is derailed by legal issues.
Despite playing only 10 games as a rookie in 2017, Foster finished third in the voting for Defensive Rookie of the Year with 59 solo tackles, seven tackles for loss, and a pass defensed. Despite suffering a significant ankle injury, it was a strong start.
The issue was that Foster’s actions off the field were questionable. During the winter and spring of 2018, the former Alabama star was arrested twice and charged for the second time with an ex-girlfriend. According to NFL.com, the charges included domestic violence, possession of a weapon, and infliction of bodily harm.
Foster’s ex-girlfriend later recanted her accusations, and the domestic violence charge was dropped as a result. However, his other charges led to the NFL suspending him for two games in 2018, despite the fact that he was still allowed to play in the league.
Foster was arrested again the following November on domestic violence charges. After San Francisco released him from the roster, the Washington Commanders claimed him. The NFL’s subsequent investigation found no evidence to support a suspension. Foster had been scheduled to play in the 2019 season.
However, his potential return was cut short by injury. Foster tore his ACL and LCL during his first Washington practice in May of 2019.
He was supposed to return the following season, but he was placed on injured reserve again and never played for Washington.
Current 49ers Offense in Miami
It’s not uncommon for one NFL team to share DNA with another. However, the current Dolphins roster is stacked with former 49ers players. Of course, with Mike McDaniel as Miami’s current head coach, it makes sense.
But it’s clear that he’s always intended to use former San Francisco players for his own team. The following Dolphins players have spent time with the 49ers offense:
Raheem Mostert, RB River Cracraft, River Wilson Jr.
Tyler Kroft, tight end
It appears to be working, as the Dolphins are now 9-3 and vying for the top seed in the AFC.
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