Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) tackles Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9 in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Photo Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The San Francisco 49ers signed linebacker Reuben Foster to a four-year contract on Friday.
With Foster under contract, the 49ers have signed eight of the team’s 10 picks from the 2017 draft.
San Francisco traded back into the first round to selected the 23-year-old Foster with the 31st overall selection in April’s draft. The 49ers dealt their second-round pick (No. 34 overall) and a fourth-rounder acquired from the Chicago Bears earlier in the night (No. 111 overall) to the Seattle Seahawks for pick No. 31.
Foster fell in the draft after reports surfaced that his medical recheck revealed concerns about his right shoulder. He underwent surgery for a rotator cuff problem in February.
–Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker is expected to be sidelined four to six months after undergoing surgery earlier this week on his shoulder.
The team’s first-round pick last year and anchor of the Lions’ offensive line this season suffered a torn labrum last week during organized team activities. He underwent surgery on Monday.
Decker received a recovery timetable of four to six months, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Friday. Decker could be a candidate to start the season on the physically unable to perform list.
–The New England Patriots signed their 2017 third-round pick, defensive end Derek Rivers.
Rivers, 22, was selected 83rd overall out of Youngstown State.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Rivers was a two-time All-American and three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection. He finished his career with 173 total tackles and a school-record 41 sacks.
