The Washington Redskins took a risk during the 2018 season. When the San Francisco 49ers released linebacker Reuben Foster, in light of assault allegations, the Redskins were the only team in the NFL to submit a waiver claim for him.
The move, directed by Bruce Allen but ultimately pinned on Doug Williams, was met with fierce criticism, and while it was unclear at the time whether Foster was guilty or innocent, many contended that Foster was un-signable while the charges were still in the air.
Yet, Foster was signed. And Foster remained on the NFL’s commissioner exempt list for the remainder of the 2018 season, and the start of the 2019 offseason.