On Monday, the Washington Commanders made the long-awaited decision to let go of quarterback Carson Wentz.
This move reduces Washington’s salary cap by $26.176 million this offseason. Wentz had two years left on his contract, but no money was guaranteed.
On Monday, the Commanders also let go of defensive back Bobby McCain, lowering their salary cap by $2.32 million. The Commanders would save $4.42 million if he were designated for release after June 1st.
Wentz can now join any team before free agency begins. Frank Reich, his former offensive coordinator and coach with the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts, is now in charge of the Carolina Panthers. Carolina might be a good fit for Wentz as a back-up quarterback.
To acquire Wentz from Indianapolis during the offseason, Washington ended up trading two third-round picks and exchanging two second-round picks in 2022.
Wentz and the Commanders’ offense, on the other hand, struggled after he threw seven touchdown passes in his first two outings. In the first two games, the team scored a total of 55 points, but only 47 in his subsequent four starts. He was not well protected by the offensive line, and the run game was at best inconsistent during that time period.
He lost eight games after breaking his right ring finger in a win over the Chicago Bears in Week 6. He played the final two games, a 37-20 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers on December 24. In a 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns, Washington started him the following week, but he was ineffective, completing just 16 of 28 passes for 143 yards and three interceptions. For the finale, he was chosen to be the third quarterback.
The number one After losing his starting position to Jalen Hurts, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 draft was traded by Philadelphia in the offseason of 2021. He was the Colts’ starter for one season. While playing for the Colts, he threw for 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Wentz has thrown 151 touchdown passes and 66 interceptions in 92 starts over seven seasons. His career has been disrupted by injuries. He ruined what many thought would be his MVP season in 2017 when he tore his left ACL; and the following year, he hurt his back.