Quan Martin - Commanders DB
Things weren't looking too good for Quan Martin this offseason. His projected breakout in 2025 couldn't have gone much worse, and with another roster revamp expected, his role was under severe threat.
Martin struggled last season. Even so, the Washington Commanders were not willing to give up on him just yet.
Daronte Jones believed he could salvage his talent and build up his confidence. While the true proof will come in the regular season, the signs over the summer were incredibly encouraging.
The 2023 second-round pick out of Illinois may have done enough to secure one of the starting safety roles. At worst, Martin will be a core rotational piece in Jones' creative system.
And he must come through when it counts in a contract year.
Treylon Burks - Commanders WR
The Commanders took a chance on Treylon Burks when his time with the Tennessee Titans fizzled out. He flashed enough over the second half of 2025 to get a new one-year deal from Washington, and the wide receiver did enough over the summer to make the team once again.
What comes next is even more important.
Burks has to stay healthy. He has to take advantage of the opportunities presented to him in the regular season. He also has to repay the faith shown in him by first-time offensive coordinator David Blough.
Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, and third-round rookie Antonio Williams will lead the charge. Burks must separate himself from the rest to get another deal next year.
Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
After the Commanders strengthened their linebacking corps with free-agent signing Leo Chenal and No. 7 pick Sonny Styles, attention immediately turned to the long-term future of Frankie Luvu. He's the inspirational leader of Washington's defense, but this is a make-or-break year for the second-level enforcer.
Luvu is moving back to his off-ball role this season, where his aggression and instincts will be integral to Daronte Jones' plans. He'll probably hold the 'green dot' on defense initially, but that is expected to change as the campaign goes on once Styles fully adjusts.
The Washington State product is young enough to get another multi-year commitment from the Commanders. But Luvu will have to earn it just like everyone else.
Chris Paul - Commanders OL
After performing relatively well during the 2025 season, Chris Paul's free-agent market was expected to be robust. That didn't happen, and the player was willing to bet on himself with another one-year deal in Washington.
It quickly became clear that Paul had to earn his spot all over again. There were even reports that Brandon Coleman was about to unseat him at left guard before the body-blow injury to five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Coleman is now on the blindside, leaving Paul free to start on the interior once again. The 2022 seventh-round pick out of Tulsa's hopes of a big deal in Washington or elsewhere will depend on his performance.
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