By definition as an undrafted free agent in 2009, the odds were against Ramon Foster even making the Pittsburgh Steelers as a rookie.
In 2013, few expected him to earn a multi-year deal with the team once he hit unrestricted free agency.
It was even more surprising to most when after that particular three-year deal expired that Foster would remain in black-and-gold – yet he did again.
And Foster himself dropped a Lloyd Christmas “So you’re sayin’ there’s a chance” toward the end of last season in regards to whether he would get yet another extension to stay with the Steelers.
#BREAKING: #Steelers sign offensive linemen Pouncey, Foster to contracts@tribjoerutter https://t.co/iM2pMYLt7b
— Tribune-ReviewSports (@TribSports) March 7, 2019
So when that came to fruition in the form of a two-year, $8.25 million contract in March, Foster became the rare player who earned a fourth contract with the Steelers. Outside of Ben Roethlisberger, the list of players who achieved that in the post-1993 NFL free-agency era is short – and it’s certainly an exclusive company Foster joined as being an undrafted free agent.
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“I knew I had a shot,” Foster said, referring to his mindset while entering the offseason about earning a new contract.
“(Foster and the organization) talked about (a new contract). It’s always that conversation. I know I didn’t play bad (in 2018) – so to say, ‘no,’ I probably wouldn’t have guessed that. But it’s a good feeling to be here.”
During Tuesday’s first organized team activity session of 2019, Foster was in his familiar left guard spot he’s held down now for the Steelers for 6 ½ years.
“It’s exciting to actually be back out on the field today,” Foster said.
His 11th NFL season is only about 3 ½ months away.
“It’s getting closer and closer.”
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