Ramon Foster uncertain whether Steelers will keep him for 12th season

BALTIMORE – The longest tenured player on the field Sunday for the Pittsburgh Steelers is preparing for an uncertain future.

Guard Ramon Foster, who completed his 11th season with the organization, acknowledged after a 28-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens he might have played his final down with the Steelers.

Foster turns 34 in January and has one year remaining on his contract, but the Steelers could save his $4 million salary in 2020 by releasing the veteran lineman.

“I know the reality of this,” Foster said. “If they are going to release me, just tell me when I’m (home) in Tennessee. Don’t wait. That’s all I say. Don’t waste my time. I know they’ll give me that common courtesy, and I’ll do a farewell.

“If not, let’s roll for No. 12.”

Foster started 14 games this season, missing two to injury, and he has started 145 times in 160 career games. But the Steelers could transition to a younger starting unit in 2020. Right tackle Matt Feiler has experience at guard, and the Steelers could turn to Zach Banner or Chuks Okorafor on the outside.

“I’ll talk to Kevin (Colbert) and Coach (Mike Tomlin), and if they think I’m capable of moving forward with this team, I absolutely will,” Foster said.

Finances, however, might not allow it.

Feiler and Banner are restricted free agents. Backup interior lineman B.J. Finney, who started Sunday in place of injured center Maurkice Pouncey, is an unrestricted free agent.

In addition, left tackle Alejandro Villanueva’s contract expires after the 2020 season.

“There’s a lot of different things going on,” Foster said. “Matt has played guard. I know that. That’s part of the business.”

Foster believes he isn’t ready for retirement, and, if he is released by the Steelers, he would join another team under the right circumstances.

“Right team, right paycheck,” he said. “Anything’s possible, right?”

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