Washington Commanders release QB Sam Hartman

The Washington Commanders have released backup quarterback Sam Hartman on Thursday evening, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The Commanders also announced the move on their Twitter page shortly after.

Over a college career spanning six seasons, Hartman became one of the most prolific passers in NCAA history. He racked up an eye-popping 15,656 passing yards. He also threw for 134 touchdowns with 49 interceptions.

Hartman spent his first five seasons at Wake Forest, where he did considerable damage in the QB-friendly Demon Deacon scheme under Dave Clawson before transferring to Notre Dame for his final season. With Wake, Hartman led an 11-3 season in 2021 and then an 8-5 year in 2022, terrific campaigns by program standards.

He finished his career with the Demon Deacons as one of the best passers in school history, shattering several records in the process. Hartman is the school’s all-time leading passer (12,967 career passing yards), more than 3,000 yards ahead of the second player on that list (Riley Skinner–9,762 yards). Not only that, Hartman had two seasons that rank first and second on the Wake Forest single-season passing yardage list. He threw for 4,228 passing yards in 2021 and 3,701 passing yards in 2022.

Shortly following the NFL Draft, Hartman signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent. In a move that proved how much Washington liked him, however, they gave him one of the biggest deals among undrafted players, with a $20,000 signing bonus and $225,000 base salary guarantee. He joined a quarterback room with first-round pick Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, and Jeff Driskel.

Nikki Chavanelle also contributed to this article.