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.

After giving up draft picks to acquire him in a trade with Indianapolis last March, 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.

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, on the other hand, faces a very uncertain future at age 30. 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 salary cap space.

PATRIOTS: During his Monday appearance on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football,” Patriots veteran safety Devin McCourty was pressed on quarterback Mac Jones because of perceived unrest in New England whether he’s the guy or not.

McCourty didn’t mince words. He started by reminding people that in 2014, there was a cry to put Jimmy Garoppolo in over Tom Brady. And look how that turned out.

“They know the future is Mac Jones,” said McCourty. “And I’m excited for this guy this year, because now, you get Billy O’Brien coming in as the offensive coordinator who’s had great success, has done well everywhere he’s been offensively. He gets to come in now and work with Mac. He’s going to have stability around him.”

CHARGERS: Los Angeles promoted Derrick Ansley to defensive coordinator. He was the secondary coach on Brandon Staley’s staff the past two seasons. He takes over for Renaldo Hill, who left to join Miami’s staff as pass-game coordinator.

The Chargers also announced on Monday the additions of quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier, linebackers coach Jeff Howard and defensive quality control assistant Robert Muschamp.

FALCONS: Atlanta announced changes to Coach Arthur Smith’s staff on Monday, further restructuring his assistants after a fifth straight losing season.

Most notably, Steve Jackson will take over as secondary coach, while David Huxtable has been hired as a senior defensive assistant after spending 40 years at the collegiate level.

Jackson and Huxtable will work under new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, who was hired away from the rival New Orleans Saints last month after the retirement of Dean Pees. Three assistants were not retained by Smith after a 7-10 season: secondary coach Jon Hoke, defensive line coach Gary Emanuel and outside linebackers coach Ted Monachino.

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