Commanders signed Jacob Martin
Adding to the defensive front seven was among Adam Peters' top priorities during the first wave of free agency. The Washington Commanders were found wanting in the trenches when it counted. They've left no stone unturned in pursuit of going one better next time around.
The Commanders added to their pass-rushing options with the signing of Jacob Martin on a one-year deal that could be worth up to $3 million with incentives. This might not move the needle all that much, but his particular set of skills is something head coach Dan Quinn had plenty of success with during his previous stops.
Martin is a little undersized to be a defensive end. He's a decent stand-up rusher, but his strength lies in being physical and versatile. Expect Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. to move him around depending on the situation if he does enough to carve out a decent role for himself.
Quinn knows how to deploy athletic defensive players who might not have the physical stature of others. Martin has the chance to become impactful as a replacement for Dante Fowler Jr., who returned to the Dallas Cowboys on a one-year deal.
- Signing grade: B
While Martin might not enter the double-digit sack category Fowler accomplished in 2024, he could be a useful rotational piece with a smooth transition.
Commanders re-signed Trent Scott
Not many would have had Trent Scott making the roster or getting another deal from the Commanders on their bingo card this time last year. That wasn't an opinion shared by those in power, who are giving the versatile offensive lineman another opportunity to cement his depth chart status in 2025.
Scott is one of the few holdovers from Ron Rivera's tenure who stuck around last season. While he didn't see much action throughout the regular season, he was thrust into the fire during Washington's divisional-round game against the Detroit Lions when Sam Cosmi went down with a torn ACL.
The Commanders slotted Scott into the starting lineup and he played well. That wasn't the case versus the Philadelphia Eagles in the final four, but it's hard to counteract the supreme threat posed by Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Milton Williams, who recently got a bumper deal from the New England Patriots.
With Cornelius Lucas signing a two-year deal with the Cleveland Browns, Scott could be the team's new swing tackle. He could be a backup guard, so this versatility could be beneficial for the Commanders if they suffer injuries along the protection in 2025.
- Signing grade: B-
This shouldn't prevent Adam Peters from finding a long-term edge protector via the college ranks if the right situation presents itself. But Scott's extension takes the pressure off.