Report: Former Alabama star working out with NY Jets

Former Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster is working out for the New York Jets today, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

Former #49ers 1st-round LB Reuben Foster is working out for the #Jets today, per agent @malkikawa, as he looks to get back on the field for the 1st time in 2 years. Foster has battled back from knee surgery while with Washington but put himself in position to get a look from NYJ.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2021

The four-year NFL player had a tremendous career in Tuscaloosa, winning the Butkus Award for the nation’s top linebacker in 2016. Additionally, Foster was part of the Crimson Tide team that won the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship.

However, the NFL has been a different story entirely for Foster. It’s been a long and tumultuous road, marred by injury and controversy.

To begin, Foster’s career started with a draft day slide. After widely expected to be the first linebacker taken, the former Alabama star was the fifth linebacker selected in the 2017 NFL Draft.

The San Francisco 49ers made Foster their pick at 31st overall, and they expected him to follow in the footsteps of players like Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman. However, his time with the team was over before he could finish his second season.

While Foster had a productive rookie year, what followed doomed his career in San Francisco. Following multiple arrests, the 49ers decided to move on from Foster after deeming him untrustworthy.

After an investigation and his release, Foster was claimed by the Washington Football Team. While trying to rebuild his young career, he suffered another huge setback.

During his first practice with Washington, Foster tore his ACL, ending his comeback attempt before it could even get started. Since then, Foster has been rehabbing and attempting to return to the player he once was. 

Foster’s latest comeback attempt

While Foster hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2018, he’s re-emerging on the radar of the New York Jets. Evidently, Robert Saleh could be a huge proponent as to why.

The Jets new head coach was with Foster in San Francisco, where he was the team’s defensive coordinator. If anybody can help the linebacker get his career back on track, perhaps it’s Saleh.

Currently, the Jets are looking for help within their defense. Following the injury to star defensive end Carl Lawson, the team traded for Shaq Lawson from the Houston Texans.

Furthermore, the team placed former first-round pick linebacker Jarrad Davis on the IR this week. As the team explores replacement options, Foster’s name is being thrown into the competition.

Time will tell if Foster can rebuild his career, but an opportunity to do so may be on the horizon.