Redskins release Wynn

Veteran defensive end Renaldo Wynn was among 23 players released by the Washington Redskins yesterday. Only four players had been with the Redskins longer than Wynn.

Wynn’s departure continues a philosophical shift on defense with the coaches opting for a younger roster. Earlier in camp, linebacker Lemar Marshall, 30, and defensive tackle Joe Salave’a, 32, were released. Wynn turns 33 tomorrow.

“At first I was [stunned], but I’ve known for a couple of hours and it’s something you prepare yourself for if it does happen,” Wynn said. “But you never know how it feels until it happens.”

Wynn was expected to play a reserve role but now will try to latch on with another team, although the Redskins did him no favors by releasing him so late.

“If it could have happened earlier, I wish it could have but nevertheless, this is how it is,” he said.

The Redskins got down to 52 players (one below the maximum 53) by releasing Wynn; offensive linemen Calvin Armstrong, Kili Lefotu and Taylor Whitley; defensive linemen Matthias Askew, Alex Buzbee and Justin Hickman; running backs Fred Beasley, Brian Bell and Dee Brown; receivers Carl Berman, Corey Bradford, Ryan Hoag and Burl Toler; defensive backs John Eubanks, Ade Jimoh, Omar Stoutmire and Byron Westbrook; linebackers Matt Sinclair and Anthony Trucks; tight end Jake Nordin and quarterback Jordan Palmer. Linebacker Dallas Sartz (hamstring) was waived-injured.

An eight-player practice squad can be established today.

Only two draft picks — safety LaRon Landry and linebacker H.B. Blades — made the final cut and three undrafted rookies made the team — Georgetown Prep alum Marcus Mason, defensive end Chris Wilson and left tackle Stephon Heyer.

The Redskins kept only four receivers, so they might be scanning the waiver wire today looking to add at that position.

Wynn started all but one game for the Redskins from 2002 to 2005, but the addition of Andre Carter moved him into a reserve role last year. When the Redskins didn’t make any high-profile defensive line additions during the offseason, he re-worked his contract to lower his salary cap value and had a healthy training camp, Wynn hoped he was safe.

“You always think about it a little bit because of the year we had last year and the d-line was the group targeted as a reason why even though I never that was the full reason,” he said. “But with Joe and Lemar [released], it wasn’t anything I was surprised with when my number was called.”

The Redskins saved $2.57 million by releasing the three veterans.

“I felt like I had one of my better camps since I came here,” Wynn said. “Last year was something where I wasn’t 100 percent the whole year and this year, I’ve felt the best I have in a couple years. … I enjoyed it while I was here. There are relationships that I will always cherish.”

By releasing Wynn and Jimoh, linebacker Khary Campbell is the only defensive player who predates Gibbs’ return in January 2004.

Jimoh, 27, survived four seasons strictly on his special teams play. He had only 28 tackles on defense and no interceptions.

Overall, the roster features 13 players who weren’t with the team last year.