NFL Offseason – The Washington Commanders have released Carson Wentz less than a year after trading him, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Commanders acquired Wentz during the 2022 offseason, sending a 2022 second- and third-round pick and what would eventually become a 2023 third-round pick to Indianapolis for Wentz and a 2022 second-round pick. Wentz was one of three quarterbacks who started for the Commanders in 2022. Beginning the season as the starting quarterback, Wentz was placed on injured reserve with a hand injury and lost his job to Taylor Heinicke upon return. Wentz finished the season 2-5, ranking 30th among qualifying quarterbacks in DYAR and 31st in DVOA, posting his second-worst marks at each position.
Cutting Wentz creates $26.17 million against the salary cap. Wentz had zero dead money attached to his current deal with the Commanders.
Washington enters the offseason with two quarterbacks on their roster: Sam Howell and Jake Fromm. Taylor Heinicke, a member of the Commanders for the last three seasons, is expected to hit free agency. Commanders head coach Ron Rivera appeared on NFL Network stating that Howell will “more than likely” go into training camp as the team’s top quarterback.