Commanders release defensive back Bobby McCain

McCain played in all 34 games for Washington the last two seasons.

The Washington Commanders released slot cornerback/safety Bobby McCain Monday, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Per Schefter, the move will save Washington $4.42 million against the 2023 salary cap. McCain is the first major move ahead of free agency as the Commanders look to create more cap space. Releasing quarterback Carson Wentz, which is expected at any time, will save Washington over $26 million against the salary cap.

McCain signed with the Commanders in May 2021 after he was released by the Miami Dolphins. He played in all 32 games over the last two seasons for Washington, making 32 starts. McCain played free safety in 2021 and signed a two-year extension in the offseason. While he began the season at free safety in 2022, the emergence of second-year safety Darrick Forrest allowed McCain to play slot cornerback.

In two seasons with the Commanders, McCain recorded 139 tackles and four interceptions.

McCain played well for Washington, but the Commanders have several young players in the secondary they like, such as Kamren Curl, Forrest, Percy Butler and Jeremy Reaves.