Carson Wentz’s time in Washington was short-lived.
The Commanders announced they had released the veteran quarterback on Monday after trading for him last offseason. By releasing Wentz, who had two years remaining on his contract, the Commanders save $26.17 million in cap space. (None of the money left on Wentz's contract was guaranteed.)
The Commanders also released safety Bobby McCain in a cap-space saving move.
Wentz's career in Washington lasted all of eight games (seven starts) in which he completed 172 of 276 pass attempts (62.3 percent) for 1754 yards (6.4 yards per attempt) threw 11 touchdown passes and nine interceptions, fumbled six times, and had a passer rating of 80.2 and a QBR of 33. Washington won just two of his starts. He carried a $28.295 million cap hit on the year or roughly $14.15 per win.
Head coach Ron Rivera addressed the decision to release Wentz Tuesday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis and cited evaluating the position and the circumstances involving the salary cap.
"He's a heck of a young man. He's a solid man and I want to wish him the best," Rivera said. "I really do appreciate everything he did for us, and the opportunity that he had coming here. He did the best he could, and we really appreciate that as well."
Last season, Washington gave up two third-round picks and swapped 2022 second-round picks in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts last year to get Wentz.
The former No. 2 overall pick struggled in Washington before a broken right ring finger in a Week 6 win over the Chicago Bears sent Wentz to the sidelines, where he missed several games and eventually lost his job to backup Taylor Heinicke, who led the Commanders back into the playoff hunt.
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The Commanders are reportedly high on second-year QB Sam Howell, who may get the opportunity to start in 2023.
Wentz, 30, is now eligible to sign with any team, although it’s unclear how many suitors he will have as injuries and inconsistent play have clouded what was once a promising career.
One logical destination could to be the Carolina Panthers, where Frank Reich — Wentz’s head coach with the Colts and offensive coordinator with the Eagles — is currently the head coach.
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