With Daronte Jones stepping in as the new defensive coordinator, the Washington Commanders are bracing for a serious shake-up on the defensive side of the ball. And let’s be clear-this isn’t just about tweaking a few alignments or installing some fresh blitz packages.
This is about reshaping the identity of a defense that underperformed in 2025, especially in the secondary. That means tough decisions are on the horizon, and no one-not even recent draft picks-is guaranteed safe passage into the 2026 season.
Jones brings a reputation as a defensive backs specialist, a coach who values versatility and adaptability in his secondary. He wants guys who can move fluidly between safety and corner roles, who can disguise coverages and thrive in multiple schemes.
On paper, Quan Martin fits that mold. He’s played both safety and nickel corner since entering the league.
But the tape-and the numbers-tell a different story.
Martin’s 2025 season was a disappointment, plain and simple. Once viewed as a breakout candidate, especially after Washington let Jeremy Chinn walk in free agency, Martin struggled mightily in coverage.
According to Pro Football Focus, he posted a 57.8 overall grade with an especially rough 38.6 in coverage. He gave up a passer rating of 151.8 when targeted-the highest at his position-and allowed 468 receiving yards, the seventh-most among defensive backs.
That’s not just a step back; that’s falling down the stairs.
Now, with Jones and new general manager Adam Peters taking a hard look at the roster, Martin’s future in Washington is murky at best. Peters is expected to pursue upgrades in the secondary, and if Jones doesn’t see a path to development for Martin within his system, the Commanders could explore trade options. One NFL analyst has already pegged Martin as a possible trade candidate, and given the numbers, it’s not hard to see why.
This isn’t the outcome anyone expected when Martin was drafted in the second round. The Commanders had high hopes for his athleticism and positional flexibility, and they doubled down on that belief by giving him a bigger role last season.
But when the lights came on, the performance didn’t follow. His usage dwindled late in the year-a telling sign that the coaching staff had lost confidence.
The question now is whether Washington can find a trade partner willing to take a flyer on Martin’s potential. His rookie contract makes him a low-risk investment, and there may be a team out there that believes it can tap into the talent he showed in college. A late-round pick might be all it takes to get a deal done.
Of course, the Commanders could opt to keep him around for depth, especially if the market doesn’t materialize. But if Peters brings in new safeties who better fit Jones’ vision, Martin could find himself on the outside looking in.
Bottom line: With a new defensive mind in charge and a front office eager to reset the culture, the Commanders are in evaluation mode. And for Quan Martin, that means the clock is ticking.