Blessing in Disguise for Commanders as Carson Wentz’s Release Saves $29 Million- Fans Wonder if There Was Room for Restructuring?

The Washington Commanders just unlocked nearly $30 million in available cap space ahead of the 2023 free agency and scouting combine. They’ve done so, keeping in mind the future of the quarterback position. And former 2nd overall pick, Carson Wentz’s Washington journey has come to a quick end.

After only a year in the Commanders’ maroon, Washington has released Wentz after bringing him in from the Colts last year. A dismal show this season that also saw him going through an injury was enough to convince the franchise that it was time to move on. Also cut from the roster was cornerback and safety Bobby McCain.

The cap space freed up makes the Carson Wentz deal sweeter

Washington reeled in Carson Wentz from Indianapolis last year in exchange for a couple of 2022 and 2023 third-rounders and 2022 second-round picks. And the Commanders found the sweet spot as they didn’t have to put on any dead cap for next season since Wentz only had one more year of guaranteed money contracted. He would have made $26.167 million in 2023 had the Commanders kept him around.

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The 30-year-old from North Dakota State signed on to a four-year $128 million contract in 2016 with the Philadelphia Eagles. And the next four years saw him change franchises thrice. The Eagles traded Carson to the Colts after a disappointing 16-touchdown, 15-interceptions season. And this year wasn’t any better.

Carson only played 8 games this season with a finger injury giving way to Taylor Heinicke. Wentz only had 11 touchdowns along with 9 picks in those 8 games. And his return game this season saw 3 interceptions and the Commanders get eliminated from playoff contention. Head coach Ron Rivera wasn’t too impressed with Wentz either. With Taylor Heinicke also entering free agency this year, the franchise is looking on to 5th-round QB pick from 2022, Sam Howell.

The Washington Commanders also need some secondary help

Besides making Carson Wentz a free agent for the first time in his NFL career, the Commanders are also releasing defensive back, Bobby McCain. Washington saved approximately $4.42 million in cap hit in the McCain transaction. The former Miami Dolphin was scheduled to make $2.8 million in 2023 as part of his signing bonus.

However, the Commanders don’t have to depend on McCain anymore. And they can trust 2021 5th-round pick Darrick Forrest with the Washington secondary after stellar numbers last year. Forrest led the team in interceptions (4), and also forced two fumbles, recovered one, and tackled 88 times during the 2022-23 season.

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With the current 2023 draft batch boasting some impressive defensive backs, the Commanders will be looking to spend some of that freed-up cash to acquire some talents in the backfield.