The Washington Football Team has reportedly released quarterback Dwayne Haskins 20 months after selecting him No. 15 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero confirmed Haskins was cut by Washington after being demoted for the second time during the 2020 season on Sunday (December 27.) The former Ohio State standout will be placed on waivers, according to Pelissero.
Haskins was benched for backup Taylor Heinicke during the fourth quarter of Washington's 20-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers after completing 14 of 28 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns. The former first-round pick was stripped of his captaincy and fined $40,000 for violating COVID-19 protocol last week after photos leaked appearing to show the quarterback not wearing a mask at his girlfriend's birthday, which had more than 10 attendees.
"Definitely the hardest week of my life. I just want to bounce back and move forward and pray and get my life together," Haskins said after Sunday's loss via ESPN. "I can't really put into words how I'm feeling right now."
Washington coach Ron Rivera said he wasn't sure who he planned to start at quarterback in the Football Team's final regular season game next weekend, depending on whether Alex Smith would be cleared after experiencing a strained right calf.
"You sign up for this job, so it is what it is," said Haskins, who spoke to reporters from his home after Sunday's loss. "Sometimes being human isn't enough. You've got to own up to your responsibilities and mistakes and put your best foot forward and pray for an opportunity. ... You never know when you'll get another one."
Haskins was previously benched earlier in the season leading up to Washington's Week 5 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
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