Washington Commanders GM Declines to Commit to Quarterback Wentz

The Washington Commanders suffered an ugly collapse after a hot start to the 2022 season, beginning the year 7-5 but losing three of their next four and falling out of the playoff race by Week 17. Now, they'll use the offseason to look inwards and reevaluate. Commanders general manager Martin Mayhew declined to say whether or not quarterback Carson Wentz will be with the team next year.

Asked about the franchise's plan at QB, and whether Carson Wentz will be with the team next year, Commanders GM Martin Mayhew said "We're currently working through all that."
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) January 10, 2023

Wentz opened the season as the Commanders' starter, leading them to a 2-5 record before suffering a thumb injury. Taylor Heinicke took over, winning five of the next six games. After Heinicke stumbled late in the season, failing to notch a win in four straight games, the Commanders started Wentz in Week 17 in a desperate ploy to preserve their dwindling playoff hopes. It didn't work out: Wentz threw three interceptions in a 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns and officially eliminated his team from postseason contention.

If Wentz gets anywhere near the starting job for the Commanders in 2023, it will likely represent a massive organizational failure. Wentz has consistently earned the disdain of fan bases and front offices in recent years, first with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020 and then with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021. Wentz was worse this year than with either of those two teams. He'll likely find himself on another team for the 2023 season, barring a massive pay cut that clearly defines his role as a backup.