Former Notre Dame Fighting Irish star reunites with a very familiar face in a new place to try and save his poor NFL career
A former Notre Dame star has a second chance in the NFL, and this time with a very familiar face
It has been a turbulent last few weeks for former Notre Dame Fighting Irish star pass rusher Isaiah Foskey. Originally a second round draft pick back in the 2023 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, the organization opted to move on from him earlier this offseason. A former No. 40 overall selection being released after just two NFL seasons is a really, really bad sign. It was needless to say that Foskey did not live up to expectations in New Orleans and failed to take advantage of his opportunity.
While that chapter did not end the way the former Irish star would have liked, Foskey is set for another chance. It was announced on Tuesday that the 24-year old defensive end will be signing with the Cincinnati Bengals. Other organizations such as the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles had also shown interest in the 6-5, 270-pound pass rusher, including having taken visits to both recently.
Things were looking bleak for Foskey until very recently. He now walks into a pretty good situation with the Bengals. It will be interesting to see if he takes advantage of the opportunity. Foskey will also be reunited with defensive coordinator Al Golden, who he played under during the 2022 season with Notre Dame.
During his four years in South Bend from 2019-22, Foskey was able to collect 122 total tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 26.5 sacks, and seven forced fumbles. Those numbers were particularly impressive considering that Foskey played in just four games as a true freshman in 2019 to maintain a year of eligibility.
The New Orleans Saints took a chance on upside despite some inconsistency on film, selecting the California native with the No. 40 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. A lot was expected from Foskey with his ability to get after the quarterback, but that production never actualized, and he was very poor in limited opportunities.
During his two years with the Saints, Foskey managed to collect a mere 25 total tackles, zero tackles for loss, and no sacks in 27 games. He was a non-factor for a defense that needed him desperately, but failed to make an impact. Talent has never been the issue, but for whatever reason, Foskey has been underwhelming.
The Bengals boast one of the top pass rushers in the NFL in Trey Hendrickson. Aside from the Pro Bowler, the Bengals are built of potential without much proven production. That includes a couple former first rounders, Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy. Who knows exactly how well Foskey will fit into the room, and what role he may end up earning.
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