The Washington Commanders made a significant roster move on Thursday by releasing quarterback Sam Hartman. This decision came shortly after the return of Marcus Mariota, who dressed for his first game of the season in Week 5. Mariota, who had been sidelined for the first four games due to groin and pectoral injuries, serves as the backup to rookie starting quarterback Jayden Daniels.
As the team reshuffles its quarterback depth chart, they have decided to retain Jeff Driskel as their No. 3 quarterback, prompting Hartman’s release. However, there remains a possibility that Hartman could be re-signed to the practice squad.
Hartman, 25, joined the Commanders as an undrafted free agent earlier this year after an impressive collegiate career spanning five years. He played for Wake Forest from 2018 to 2022, where he led the ACC in touchdown passes with 38 during the 2022 season. Hartman then transferred to **Notre Dame** for his final year of eligibility, where he continued to perform well, completing 63.5 percent of his passes for 2,689 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
While Hartman’s release signals a shift in the Commanders’ quarterback depth, his prior collegiate success and potential may still offer him a role in the NFL, particularly if he returns to Washington’s practice squad or is picked up by another team in need of quarterback depth.
