The Washington Commanders waived former Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman , leaving the undrafted rookie to make a tough choice. Despite only seeing limited action during the preseason, Hartman has a backup plan in place that could keep his football career alive.
The Birmingham Stallions, the back-to-back champions of the UFL, drafted Hartman in the ninth round of their 2024 College Draft . If Hartman clears waivers and isn’t picked up by another NFL team, he could potentially join the Stallions, where he would have the opportunity to replace Adrian Martinez or NFL free agent Matt Corral, who played for the Stallions last year.
Hartman participated in just one of Washington's three preseason games. He came in as a substitute against the New York Jets during the second quarter after the Commanders second-overall draft pick, Jayden Daniels, started the game with much anticipation.
He showed promise on his first drive, completing passes to three receivers, including a 16-yard seam pass to Brycen Tremayne. But the drive ended in a punt after an incomplete pass to Tremayne in a no-huddle shotgun throw that missed the mark.
On his second drive, Hartman led the Commanders to a touchdown, highlighted by a 19-yard pass to Luke McCaffrey, the younger brother of NFL star Christian McCaffrey . Hartman finished the game with 8-of-13 passing for 83 yards before being replaced by veteran quarterback Jeff Driskel.
After the game, Hartman expressed gratitude for the chance to compete for the third-string spot. Before detailing his relationship with Daniels, he said, "You know it’s all new for a lot of us rookies. I’m excited for any opportunity.
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"Coach wants us to compete in everything we do," he continued. "So competing for me might be watching and learning and it might be getting out there and playing.”
The Commanders reported that Hartman had a shoulder injury against the Jets , which would force him out of consideration for the next two games. Hartman wasn't featured in the Commanders' second preseason game against the Miami Dolphins , where they lost 13-6.
Instead, the team opted to test out Trace McSorley, Driskel, and Daniels, hinting that Hartman’s time with the team could end. Both Driskel and Daniels completed over 75 percent of their passes in the game.
Only McSorley and Driskel suited up in the final preseason game, and on Tuesday afternoon, the Commanders officially waived Hartman. He was cut from the roster just days before the team's season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept 8.
Before parting ways with Hartman, Washington signed Hartman to a three-year contract worth $2.85 million, with $245,000 in guaranteed money. Following Hartman's cut, their depth chart features Daniels as QB1 with Marcus Mariota as his backup, followed by Driskel and McSorley.
The Birmingham Stallions, the back-to-back champions of the UFL, drafted Hartman in the ninth round of their 2024 College Draft . If Hartman clears waivers and isn’t picked up by another NFL team, he could potentially join the Stallions, where he would have the opportunity to replace Adrian Martinez or NFL free agent Matt Corral, who played for the Stallions last year.
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