Quan Martin's future with the Washington Commanders looks shakier than ever. The safety was projected to launch a breakout campaign in 2025, and those in power placed a hefty wager that this would come to fruition. To say he didn't come close to meeting these raised expectations would be an understatement.
Martin's lack of consistency was a microcosm of everything wrong with the Commanders' defense. He lacked positional nuance, his tackling technique was poor, and his confidence completely plummeted. Head coach Dan Quinn reduced his involvement down the stretch, and nobody complained.
With new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones in place, it remains to be seen whether Martin will be part of his plans. His work with defensive backs is renowned, but significant changes to the playing personnel are expected. If the safety group receives the attention it deserves, the former Illinois standout could be on the outside looking in.
Patriots writer wants New England to trade for Commanders safety Quan Martin
This is something Graham Wilker of Musket Fire believes the New England Patriots could exploit in an offseason trade. The writer thought a fifth-round pick might be enough to get a deal over the line, and the player wouldn't lack motivation to bounce back from adversity in a contract year.
"[Quan] Martin will have the motivation to step up in what will be a contract year in 2026. If the Patriots could nab him for their fifth-round pick, he'd immediately offer experience and depth to the back end of a defense that desperately needs it. Martin started his college career as a cornerback, moved inside to the slot, and eventually returned to safety in the NFL. His versatility means New England could kill two birds with one stone, adding a third safety and cornerback insurance."Graham Wilker, Musket Fire
This is purely speculation, of course. But if the Patriots or anyone else came to the Commanders with a fifth-round pick to take Martin off their hands, it may not take long for general manager Adam Peters to accept.
Fans have seen enough of Martin. He's three years into his professional career and has done nothing but flash promise on occasion. The Commanders thought he could emerge into a legitimate alpha on the back end after letting Jeremy Chinn leave for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. It was a gamble that did not pay off, and Washington is now almost starting from scratch at the safety spot.
Nobody aside from Jeremy Reaves should consider their position on the roster safe, and he'll likely go back into a core special-teams role next season. Martin is among those on the chopping block, but he's still young enough for another team to think there is something to salvage. If Peters can turn that into a draft pick, Washington's chances of sustainable growth will be better.
Then, Martin would become the latest in a long line of high-end Ron Rivera draft picks who sadly flamed out in Washington.