Commanders release quarterback Carson Wentz

The Washington Commanders released Carson Wentz on Monday, an expected move that puts an end to the one-season experiment with the veteran quarterback that did not work out.

The Eagles selected Wentz, now 30, with the second overall pick in the 2016 draft, but he forced a trade after the 2020 season, when Jalen Hurts replaced him as the starter. After one lackluster season with the Indianapolis Colts, Wentz was dealt to Washington last March.

After giving up draft picks to acquire him in a trade with Indianapolis, the Commanders were able to get out of the final two years of Wentz’s contract without any salary-cap penalty.

Wentz threw for 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions in eight games, going 2-5 as the starter sandwiched around a broken finger that sidelined him for several weeks.

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When Taylor Heinicke struggled late in the season, coach Ron Rivera turned back to Wentz, who had three interceptions in a loss to Cleveland that contributed to knocking Washington out of playoff contention.

From that point forward, Rivera gave no thought to handing the job back to Wentz. Rookie Sam Howell started the regular-season finale and goes into offseason workouts as the starting QB.

Wentz has thrown 151 touchdown passes and 66 interceptions in seven NFL seasons.

He faces a very uncertain future. If signed, he would join his fourth NFL team in as many seasons after flaming out in Philadelphia, Indianapolis, and Washington.

The Commanders also released veteran safety Bobby McCain, whose presence was made redundant by the emergence of Darrick Forrest. McCain’s release saves roughly $2.32 million in cap space.

McCain, 29, had four interceptions in 34 games over two seasons with Washington but none in 2022 for a defense that often played with three safeties on the field at once.

The Commanders must next decide what to do about standout defensive tackle Daron Payne, who led the team with a career-high 11½ sacks and could get a big payday in free agency. Putting the franchise tag on him at a price of $18.9 million — much less than the money saved by cutting Wentz — is one option.

If Payne is back, Washington’s defense will again have high expectations, especially with Chase Young fully healthy after recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee.

The Commanders are expected to change more on offense than defense after hiring two-time Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl-winning assistant Eric Bieniemy as coordinator and assistant head coach. That includes at quarterback after Wentz was shown the door.