Dan Quinn is not one to deliver praise if it isn't deserved. That's why his bold projection for one potential breakout Washington Commanders star before Week 1 against the New York Giants carries significant weight.
The Commanders are leaning on experience once again this season. That stems from Ron Rivera's woeful drafting over his four-year tenure. However, there were one or two major success stories from the previous head coach amid the constant doom and gloom.
Sam Cosmi is one, although the formidable right guard will be out for the first four games and possibly more as he continues to recover from a torn ACL. Another is standout safety Quan Martin, who's quickly emerged as a potential cornerstone piece based on his current trajectory.
Dan Quinn expects Quan Martin to surge into Commanders' cornerstone category in 2025
Martin flashed as a nickel cornerback in his rookie year. The Commanders moved him back to safety under Quinn, and his production took a notable surge forward. Based on his comments to Kevin Sheehan from The Team 980, the head coach is expecting the defensive back to explode this time around after a sensational offseason.
"There's a whole other subset of guys who are making the leap. And I would say Quan Martin is one for me, that I have [as a standout]. I already had high expectations for him. But then to see the type of camp that he had, the work he's put in. I feel like he's one player that I think is really about to go big. "Dan Quinn
Commanders HC Dan Quinn tells Kevin Sheehan the player he sees who is about to go big! pic.twitter.com/rplQHN9yUX
— The Team 980 (@team980) September 3, 2025
Martin's influence notably increased over training camp. The Commanders let Jeremy Chinn walk for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency, leaving the Illinois product as the alpha dog in Washington's safety unit. Will Harris should help, and Jeremy Reaves is expected to play a bigger role, but this group will only go as far as the 2023 second-round pick takes it.
If Martin can get his coverage capabilities up to his run-stopping standard, the Commanders will have a significant asset on their hands. There are some concerns around the defensive front, but Washington's secondary might be an area of strength if everyone meets their billing.
There aren't many draft picks left from Rivera's spell with the franchise. But if Martin takes off this season as Quinn anticipates, he could be given a lucrative contract extension ahead of time. That's the best-case scenario for the player and Washington's long-term future.
What comes next is down to Martin. However, all signs are trending up for a player who could take the league by storm in 2025.