Quarterback Carson Wentz has been released by the Washington Commanders in a move that had been expected since the end of the season.
Commanders release Carson wentz after one season
Carson Wentz is no longer a member of the Washington Commanders.
The team traded with the Indianapolis Colts for the Century High School and NDSU graduate last off-season.
Carson played eight games for Washington. Wentz completed 62.3% of his passes for 1,755 yards and 11 touchdowns with nine interceptions.
He started the first six games of the season but was placed on the injured reserve list following a broken finger against the Bears.
He returned to the lineup in week 16 against San Francisco and then played in week 17 against Cleveland, which turned out to be the final time he was in a Commanders uniform.
Judging by comments made by Head Coach Ron Rivera following the season, Washington’s release of Wentz is not a surprise. The move also saves the Commanders $26.18 million against the salary cap.
Wentz was acquired last March by the Commanders after a horrible stay in Indianapolis as a true last chance to make it as a starter in the NFL.
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In Week 3, Wentz made his return against his former longtime team, the Philadelphia Eagles. Wentz completed 58% of his passes for 211 yards and was sacked nine times and fumbled twice in the 24–8 loss.
In the 21–17 loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 5, Wentz threw a game-sealing interception to linebacker David Long Jr. in the red zone.
In the Thursday Night Football win over the Chicago Bears, Wentz fractured his ring finger on his throwing hand.
He was placed on injured reserve on October 22 and re-activated on December 12, 2022, although he did not regain his starting duties due to the emergence of Taylor Heinicke as the team’s starter.
In Week 16, Wentz came in relief of Heinicke after he was benched in the fourth quarter, where he completed twelve passes for 123 yards and a touchdown in the loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Wentz had a poor performance against the Cleveland Browns completing 16 of 28 passes for 143 yards, one rushing touchdown, and three interceptions in the 24-10 loss.
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The loss and wins by the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions on the same day resulted in the Commanders being eliminated from playoff contention.
Wentz’s greatest success with the Eagles was in 2017 when he led them to an 11–2 record.