Quan Martin - Commanders S
As previously mentioned, the Washington Commanders' safety group was not the best last season. Quan Martin's rapid descent to irrelevance was a microcosm of everything that went wrong with the defense in 2025.
Most analysts and coaches within the building believed Martin was poised for a legitimate breakout campaign. It didn't take long to realize that wasn't going to be the case, which left him a non-factor and eventually removed him from the lineup entirely down the stretch.
The 2023 second-round pick out of Illinois was a liability in space. His coverage support was poor, and Martin's confidence plummeted to extremely concerning levels. Daronte Jones will attempt to work his magic on the player this offseason, but he simply cannot put a foot wrong.
Martin wasn't drafted by Adam Peters. He'll need a rousing effort to avoid the same fate as most selected from the college ranks by Ron Rivera.
Kain Medrano - Commanders LB
Kain Medrano didn't get much action for the Commanders during his rookie campaign. The athletic linebacker was always going to be a work in progress, but there is one cautionary tale he'll be looking to avoid this summer.
The Commanders drafted Dominique Hampton in 2024. He made the roster but basically redshirted his first NFL season. When the correct progress didn't arrive over his second preparation period, Washington cut him. And he's struggled to find another opportunity ever since.
Medrano has more athletic intangibles than Hampton, which is encouraging. Just what the Commanders have planned for him is anyone's guess, but the UCLA product must convince the coaching staff he is worthy of a roster spot at the very least this offseason.
Anything less, and the Commanders may have no option but to dispose of Medrano at some stage, which would be a disastrous outcome for the player.
Ja'Corey Brooks - Commanders WR
Despite striking out on big-name wide receiver targets this offseason, Adam Peters did manage to enhance competition in the room. Dyami Brown is back after one season away from the club, and Van Jefferson Jr. will also be aiming to cement his roster spot after an inconsistent year with the Tennessee Titans.
With the promise of more help for quarterback Jayden Daniels on the way, those looking to force their way into the team's plans have a difficult task ahead of them. Ja'Corey Brooks fits into this category, so it'll be interesting to see what progress the 2025 undrafted free agent makes in Year 2 with the franchise.
Brooks starred last summer, but didn't do enough to make the 53-man roster. He stuck around on the practice squad, featuring in one game. That is not going to guarantee his role this time around, so the wideout has a significant amount of hard work ahead of him.