Quan Martin - Commanders S
Hype soared around a potential breakout campaign for Quan Martin in 2025. The Washington Commanders were bullish about his chances, fans were supremely confident, and even the national media started to take note.
Unfortunately, the 2023 second-round pick never came close to meeting expectations. Martin's consistency was sorely lacking. His tackling technique was abysmal, and his confidence diminished. The Commanders saw this for what it was, and reducing his involvement down the stretch prevented any more damage to his morale.
Most thought Martin was on thin ice. Not many gave him hope of seeing out his rookie deal, but the Commanders have kept faith. Only Nick Cross joined the safety room, and not taking another defensive back during the draft was reportedly down to their ongoing confidence in the former Illinois standout to fulfill his promise.
Nothing is guaranteed. Martin will still have to earn it, so taking advantage of this surprising reprieve is crucial.
Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL
The Commanders have put together a strong offseason. Even so, there was one notable move that was strange at the time and even more so now.
Adam Peters released starting center Tyler Biadasz just before free agency. This was a stunning development that left fans perplexed. And the fact that he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers almost immediately cast further doubt on the decision.
Peters has his reasons, which the Commanders are keeping private. But given how little has been done to fill the void, it suggests confidence in Nick Allegretti's ability to do so.
Allegretti started and played well when Biadasz got hurt late in the campaign. It was a small sample size, but it was obviously enough to change the Commanders' thought process. They even gave the Illinois product an early extension, but drafting Matt Gulbin gives them a contingency plan if things don't go well.
Daron Payne - Commanders DL
There was speculation around the media about the future of defensive lineman Daron Payne. Some experts had him touted as a potential trade candidate with one year remaining on his deal, so the rumors were inevitable. However, the Commanders are not ready to give up on the Pro Bowler just yet.
The Commanders are letting Payne see out the final year of his deal. There will be no new contract beforehand, which the former Alabama standout accepted. This was a prove-it year for the interior force, who'll have a heightened sense of urgency to perform well enough for another lofty financial commitment.
Payne's best season in 2022 came in a contract year, gaining 11.5 sacks and emerging as a genuine game-wrecker. Those heights haven't been reached since, so the Commanders are hoping that some added incentive will help the 2018 first-round pick reach similar heights.
If not, the Commanders may look to trade Payne before the deadline or secure a compensatory pick from his free-agent departure.
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