Quan Martin - Commanders S
- Cap savings: $1.79 million
- Dead money: $638,695
Expectations around Quan Martin were through the roof heading into the season. The talented safety was anticipated to have a genuine breakout campaign after coming to life during the Washington Commanders' memorable run to the playoffs. It hasn't gone according to plan.
Martin found life difficult as the alpha dog in Washington's safety room. One could make a case for letting Jeremy Chinn walk being the gravest mistake general manager Adam Peters made in the offseason. Others haven't filled the void effectively enough, and the former Illinois star has suffered more than most.
Missed tackles have been an ongoing frustration. Martin is failing to provide adequate coverage support, and he's often way too late in anticipating plays unfolding in front of him. That's a bad combination, and it's no surprise to see the likes of Ohio State prospect Caleb Downs being strongly linked to the Commanders.
As previously mentioned, the Commanders don't have many tradable assets. There are no significant financial ramifications attached to trading Martin. However, he is still young enough for another team to see him as a reclamation project who could bounce back with a fresh start.
Time will tell, but Peters has shown no mercy in removing Ron Rivera's draft picks in previous years. Martin could be next.
Daron Payne - Commanders DT
- Cap savings: $16.81 million
- Dead money: $11.2 million
This is among the Commanders' biggest conundrums this offseason. Daron Payne has been a fantastic servant to the club and is one of the last remaining figures from a bygone era. However, his situation is becoming increasingly precarious.
The defensive tackle is in the final year of his contract next year. Payne is counting $28.01 million against the salary cap, and the Commanders are not seeing a strong enough return on this investment despite a positive start to the season. That puts general manager Adam Peters in a predicament.
Washington has two options. First, the Commanders could give Payne a lucrative contract extension in advance, especially given he'll be reluctant to take the field without some extra financial security. If there are doubts about giving the former Alabama standout another deal, then trading him becomes a realistic option.
Payne would have a market. He's experienced, earned Pro Bowl honors in 2022, and can be a genuine game-wrecker when firing on all cylinders. That could help Peters extract maximum value, although it would leave another gaping hole on the interior defensive line to fill.
This situation could go either way. The Commanders parted ways with Jonathan Allen last season. Peters could do the same with his old Crimson Tide teammate if he gets a good offer.