The Dwayne Haskins era in Washington is officially over. Washington waived the embattled quarterback Monday after another dreadful performance capped a tumultuous week.
Head coach Ron Rivera told Haskins Monday releasing him “benefits both parties.”
“This afternoon I met with Dwayne and informed him that we would be releasing him,” Rivera said in a statement released by the team. “I told him that I believe it benefits both parties that we go our separate ways. We thank Dwayne for his contributions these last two seasons and I wish him well moving forward.”
Haskins’ lack of future with Washington was evidently clear after he was benched in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Carolina Panthers. Haskins completed 14-of-28 passes for 154 yards. He threw two interceptions and lost a fumble also.
Even with the concerning calf injury to Alex Smith, there was no possible scenario with Haskins taking another snap in Washington.
Rivera had announced earlier Monday, Haskins was being demoted to third-string for the second time this season and was going to be inactive in Sunday night’s season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. Haskins was going to be behind Smith and Taylor Heincke, who replaced Haskins against the Panthers. Ultimately, Rivera decided to permanently move on.
The 2020 season was a whirlwind of emotions for the 2019 first-round pick. Washington tabbed him as the starter and a captain to begin the season. However, four games in, he was benched in favor of Kyle Allen and demoted to third-string. He remained inactive for the next four games before Allen suffered a season-ending ankle injury, propelling Haskins to the backup to Smith.
Haskins got his chance to start again in Week 15 after Smith suffered a right calf strain the week prior. Unfortunately, that was the beginning of the end for Haskins. He was photographed at a party maskless following the game against Seattle, leading to what he described as the “hardest week of my life.”
He was fined, stripped of his captaincy and publicly ridicule. Still, he got a second consecutive start on Sunday. But his poor play against the Panthers was the final straw for the organization that appeared to give him ample opportunities.
Haskins will go on waivers with the remainder of his rookie contract. Meanwhile, Washington washes its hands on a failed project.
