Daronte Jones' arrival as Washington Commanders defensive coordinator brings intrigue and urgency in equal measure.
He's got big plans for the franchise, and a massive effort is needed from the players he decides will be part of his system. Fans are expecting a significant overhaul of the defensive personnel, but some players who were a little down on their luck when Joe Whitt Jr. called the shots will get a chance to impress.
One of those is Quan Martin.
The safety was projected to go through a breakout campaign in 2025 after the Commanders allowed Jeremy Chinn to walk in free agency to the Las Vegas Raiders. Martin never came close to reaching this billing. It was so bad that an argument could be made for Washington to cut its losses entirely with the 2023 second-round pick.
Quan Martin's future with the Commanders could depend on his versatility
That may not be an opinion shared by Jones. He named Martin among those he is excited to work with and develop. The former Illinois standout failed to take his game to greater heights last season, but the Commanders might not be ready to throw in the towel just yet.
Jones highlighted Martin's versatility as potentially useful. While Whitt was eager to keep him on the back end of Washington's defense, to his detriment, perhaps a career shift could be precisely what's required to turn things around as hope fades rapidly.
Instead of utilizing Martin as a standard safety, it might be worth Jones deploying him as a chess piece across the secondary. He's got the physical scope and athleticism to operate as a box safety, in the nickel, or potentially even on the outside against bigger receivers who don't have the speed to stretch the field. It's a risk, but drastic measures are needed to rebuild the player's confidence.
Of course, Martin must also rid himself of some frustrating individual flaws for this to work.
His anticipation in coverage needs refinement. Martin's tackling technique was often subpar in 2025. There was almost no substance attached to the hype, but Jones' sterling work with defensive backs throughout his coaching career leaves a slight window of optimism.
If Martin cannot progress his game under Jones, the Commanders will have their answer. This is the perfect coach to bring him back to life. If the required progress doesn't arrive throughout the summer, Washington could very easily cut him with almost no financial ramifications attached.
The stakes have been raised for Martin. But with a slight position switch and some enhanced coaching methods, he could end up being a surprising riser that most won't see coming.