Adam Peters has significantly strengthened the Washington Commanders' defensive edge over the first wave of free agency. This was absolutely imperative, and the general manager struck with conviction to land his desired targets in impressive fashion.
This was always going to come with collateral damage. And for one popular defender, he'll now take his chances elsewhere after getting much more than initial market projections suggested.
According to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, veteran edge rusher Jacob Martin has signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Tennessee Titans. This reunites him with new head coach Robert Saleh, with the pair spending time working together on the New York Jets.
Commanders were never going to pay what Jacob Martin received from the Titans
Martin signed a one-year deal with the Commanders last offseason. He was initially projected to fight for a roster spot, but he made the team comfortably. After a slew of injuries struck, the 2018 sixth-round pick out of Temple ended up playing more than anyone thought possible.
He also performed admirably in difficult circumstances. Martin gained 5.5 sacks and 45 pressures from 62 percent of the team's defensive snaps. These numbers were above expectations, but it wasn't enough for an extended stay.
There is no way the Commanders were going to pay what the Titans were willing to for Martin. Peters has already filled the void with Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Charles Omenihu. There could even be more arrivals on the way, depending on how the board shakes out in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Martin would have been on the outside looking in. Fortunately for the player, he put out enough solid tape last season for the Titans to take the plunge. And being around Saleh before should make the transition to another new franchise seamless.
There is no doubt Martin was the best of a bad edge-rushing bunch in Washington last season, especially after Dorance Armstrong Jr. got hurt. He's a high-effort player who leaves everything out on the field. The lack of legitimate size and length has often been problematic throughout his career. Even so, his performance levels were enough for Tennessee to put together a pretty decent financial package.
Now, Martin becomes the latest in a long line of former New York Jets players who are linking back up with Saleh. It's a gamble, but the coach believes this familiarity will help turn the tide. And if the recent Washington departure builds on a promising campaign, he'll be a key rotational asset on Tennessee's defensive front.
That's a win-win for everybody, especially if the Commanders' new signings all hit the ground running.