As the Washington Football Team prepares to host a playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday, former Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins is moving forward in search of his next team.
Haskins is set to have a free-agent visit with the Carolina Panthers Monday morning, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The 2019 first-round pick was waived by Washington on Dec. 23 after two lackluster seasons with the team that was filled with on and off-the-field struggles by the 23-year old. He cleared waivers allowing him to sign with any team.
The Panthers have Teddy Bridgewater under contract, however, head coach Matt Rhule wants to see “tremendous” improvement from the quarterback this offseason.
Haskins never quite was a good fit with Washington. He was drafted with the insistence of its owner Dan Snyder despite objections from the front office and coaching staff. Then-head coach Jay Gruden made no secrets his opposition of Haskins.
Gruden was ultimately fired during the 2019 season. Ron Rivera was hired in January, and despite naming Haskins the starting quarterback for 2020, Rivera never seemed committed to developing Haskins.
Haskins didn’t help his cause with his poor play on the field and his repeated hiccups off the field. He was fined twice this season for violating COVID-19 protocols that included him attending a party with strippers while not wearing a mask.
Haskins was benched after starting the first four games of the season. He was made inactive for the following five games. He eventually got back on the field due to a season-ending ankle injury to Kyle Allen and a right calf injury to Alex Smith. However, his play didn’t improve.
The Panthers’ interest in Haskins was immediately known following his release. Washington still owes Haskins a guaranteed $4.3 million over the next two years minus. It offsets with Haskins signing with a new team.
