Commanders release Carson Wentz

The Washington Commanders released quarterback Carson Wentz, the team announced Monday. The move saves Washington $26.17 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap.

The Commanders sent a 2022 third-round draft pick and a conditional 2023 third-round pick to the Indianapolis Colts for the veteran last offseason. Washington paid Wentz $28 million in 2022.

He went 2-5 in seven starts for Washington, throwing for 1,755 yards with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The Commanders went 5-3-1 in games Wentz did not start.

Wentz was drafted second overall in 2016 by the Philadelphia Eagles. He flourished early in his career, especially in 2017, when he threw for 33 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. He suffered a torn ACL in Week 14 that ended his season.

Wentz played three more seasons in Philadelphia before being traded to the Colts after a disastrous 2020 campaign. The Pro Bowler was benched in Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers and never played another down for the Eagles.

The Colts acquired Wentz for a first- and third-round pick in February 2021. He lasted one season in Indy, throwing for 3,563 yards with 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The Colts lost in Week 18 to the Jacksonville Jaguars, which ended their playoff hopes.

Releasing Wentz leaves Sam Howell as the only quarterback on the Commanders' roster. Taylor Heinicke is slated to become a free agent on March 13.

Wentz, 30, immediately becomes a free agent. However, it is unlikely he will be viewed as a starting quarterback.