Washington Roster Moves: Carson Wentz and Bobby McCain officially released

Big moves

Update: Washington officially released two players

Carson Wentz

The Washington Commanders are moving on from Carson Wentz after one year. The team traded two third round picks, and swapped 2nds last year to acquire him from the Indianapolis Colts. Washington paid his full $28.3 million salary and the move turned out to be a massive mistake. Cutting Wentz saves Washington $26.2 million this year.

Wentz struggled in Scott Turner’s offense and the team was 2-4 when he went to IR with a broken finger. Wentz returning in relief of Taylor Heinicke, and then got the start in a critical Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns that they lost. The Commanders were eliminated from the playoffs later that afternoon. Wentz will now look for his fourth team in four years.

Today’s move leaves only two quarterbacks on the roster when the new league year starts, Sam Howell and Jake Fromm. Ron Rivera has said the team isn’t looking to add a big money vet this year, but they likely will sign one to compete with Howell who is entering the offseason as QB1.

Bobby McCain

The Washington Commanders are releasing CB Bobby McCain per Adam Schefter. The roster move will save the team $2.32 million(Pre-June 1st) or $4.42 million(Post-June 1st) against the cap this year. McCain had one more year on his contract, along with three void years.

McCain was released by the Miami Dolphins on May 6, 2021, and signed by the Washington Football Team on May 17, 2021. He signed a 2-year, $11 million extension the following year. McCain has played all over Washington’s secondary during his two years with the team, playing CB, slot corner, and safety. He has played in all 17 games both seasons, and started 16 games each year.

Washington’s pair of young safeties, Kamren Curl and Darrick Forrest, took over the secondary last season, which moved McCain to the slot. Percy Butler was drafted in the 5th round last year, giving the team another young safety to develop behind their starting duo. Washington’s cornerback depth has a few more question marks, with Danny Johnson set to enter free agency, and a pair of young, inexperienced CBs(Rachad Wildgoose, Tariq Castro-Fields) further down the depth chart.

Kendall Fuller is entering the last year of his deal, and fellow starter Benjamin St-Juste has dealt with injuries in both of his seasons with the team. Cornerback has been heavily mocked to the Commanders this year in the 1st round, and there should be several good options to choose from.