Commanders Coach Ron Rivera Explains Carson Wentz Decision
The Washington Commanders decided to cut quarterback Carson Wentz after just one season in a move that didn't surprise anyone.
After failing to establish himself as the starter, it made sense for Washington to part ways with Wentz and save a significant amount of salary cap as well.
Head coach Ron Rivera spoke to the media ahead of the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and offered an insight into why the team chose to cut Wentz.
“Well, you know, there's a lot of things that we have to look at as far as our team is concerned," Rivera said. "Everything from the cap to the position itself, and the situational circumstances we went through last year. He's a heck of young man. He's a solid man and I want to wish him the best. I really do appreciate everything he did for us, and the opportunity that he had coming here. He did the best he could, and we really appreciate that as well.”
With Wentz now released and Taylor Heinicke entering free agency, the Commanders have some shopping to do when free agency opens.
With Sam Howell listed as the "likely starter" entering the offseason, Rivera clarified that Howell isn't the team's bona fide starter. Instead, he will enter mini-camp and training camp with the chance to compete for it.
"He's not our starter," Rivera said. "He's coming in as a QB one. He'll get a great opportunity to be our starter, but we do want to find a veteran quarterback. You know, we have [QB] Taylor Heinicke that's a free agent that we've got to work through that as well and then we'll see what happens from there.”
With so many moving pieces still going on at the quarterback position, the only constant is Howell. With free agency fast approaching, the Commanders have some critical decisions to make.
One has been made in the cutting of Wentz, but does the franchise try and go big for a star quarterback? Or let Howell and whoever is behind him battle it out?
The answers to those questions should be known soon enough.
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