With just two games left in a season that’s gone off the rails, the Washington Commanders are staring down a pivotal offseason. Head coach Dan Quinn’s first year at the helm has been anything but smooth, and now it’s up to general manager Adam Peters to sort through a roster in need of another serious overhaul. He’s got more pending free agents than any other team in the league, and while not everyone will be back, one decision-at least-seems like a layup.
That decision? Jacob Martin.
When the Commanders brought in the veteran edge rusher on a one-year deal, expectations were modest. Martin had shown flashes during previous stops, but never quite locked down a long-term starting role. After a solid training camp, he earned a spot on the 53-man roster, though most saw him as a depth piece-valuable, sure, but not someone expected to play a major role.
Then came the injuries. Key players went down, and Martin was suddenly thrust into the spotlight. What could’ve been a liability turned into one of the few bright spots in an otherwise bleak season.
Martin has made the most of his opportunity. With two games still on the schedule, he’s already notched 5.5 sacks, 39 total pressures, 22 quarterback hurries, and 17 run stops. He’s played 60 percent of the team’s defensive snaps, and while he’s not the biggest guy on the field, he’s brought consistent energy and burst off the edge-traits that have helped stabilize a defense that’s been anything but steady.
Now, with his contract set to expire, the Commanders are in a position where bringing him back makes a whole lot of sense. Spotrac projects Martin’s next deal to be in the neighborhood of one year, $2.77 million-a slight bump from the $2.4 million cap hit he carried this season. Even if he’s looking for a little more, that’s a manageable number for a team with plenty of holes to fill and a need for reliable depth.
Let’s be clear: Washington’s edge-rushing unit needs work. The Commanders haven’t invested wisely in that group over the last two years, and it’s shown.
That has to change in the offseason. But Martin has proven he can be a valuable rotational piece-someone who can step in and produce when called upon.
That’s not something you let walk out the door over a few hundred thousand dollars.
It’s possible Martin has already hit his ceiling, and that’s okay. The Commanders don’t need him to be a game-wrecker. They need him to be exactly what he’s been this year: a high-motor, dependable contributor who can give you quality snaps off the bench or even spot-start if injuries hit again.
And don’t expect him to give up his starting spot without a fight. Martin has earned the right to compete, and if he ends up sliding down the depth chart next year, there’s every reason to believe he’ll still bring value in a rotational role.
For a team that’s had more questions than answers in 2025, this one feels easy. Re-sign Jacob Martin.
Keep a good thing going. Then get to work building around him.