Mason Foster again discussed his uncertain future after the Bucs’ loss today.

Joe will be upfront: He’s a fan of Mason Foster. The Bucs’ middle linebacker, two years ago, had a chance to eat pineapple and play in the Pro Bowl.

But in that season, Foster sort of slipped in the final games, just like the Bucs did. Sadly, Foster never recaptured that level of play.

Joe had spoken earlier this year with a trusted Bucs source who kvetched about Foster’s pass coverage, grousing that he was too slow. With Foster nursing an Achilles injury the last few games of the season and his contract running out at the conclusion of the postseason, one doesn’t have to be Stephen Hawking to add up it doesn’t sound like Foster will return.

Oh, Foster wants to stay here. His best friends are on the team. And the San Francisco native now calls Tampa home. He loves it here.

In sort of a bittersweet moment, Foster, recognizing friends and family in the stands, walked off the field blowing kisses to them, well aware he may never stop on the same sod again.

Afterwards, Foster said he plans to sit down with his agent tonight and develop a plan for the future. That future, he confessed, very well may not include the Bucs.

“It is part of the game,” Foster said. “We will see how it will go. I want to be part of this. I know it will turn around. Big things are coming. Good things are going to happen in Tampa. Would be great to be a part of it, but it is a business.”

Knowing how the Bucs don’t think Foster can play outside linebacker — Bucs defensive coordinator specifically answered Joe’s question recently about Foster playing outside — and that they are not pleased with his overall performance, Joe doesn’t see Foster coming back.

If Foster did return, then he likely would be a backup. He could go elsewhere, perhaps for a winning team, and do that. To date, Foster has not played on a winning team in the NFL.

Foster is a good dude. Real good guy. Whatever his future holds, Joe wishes him the best. Foster Twittered the following after the game.

The last 4 years of my life have been amazing….I was blessed enough to share it with amazing ppl in an amazing city. Tampa stole my heart!

— Mason_Foster (@Mason_Foster) December 28, 2014