The Washington Commanders reached levels on the field last season that the franchise has not seen since 1991.
A loss in the NFC Championship game to the rival Philadelphia Eagles was disappointing, but it didn't take away from the magical season the team saw under a new ownership group, coaching staff and several new players on the field.
One of the holdovers from the old regime that helped that success was safety Quan Martin, who will enter his third season in 2025. As a second-round pick in 2023, his second season in the league caught the attention of his new coaches.
Bleacher Report's Moe Moton thinks that Martin will be even better in the upcoming season.
"Martin plays at an undervalued position, but he's made a meaningful impact on the back end of the Commanders' defense, logging seven pass breakups, three interceptions and three forced fumbles. In 2024, he allowed a 75.3 passer rating and a 50 percent completion rate in coverage," Moton wrote. "While it's too early for Martin to sign an extension, he may be in line for a new deal next offseason. Martin has worked his way into a starting role and doesn't have strong competition for the lead position.”
"Martin made strides between his rookie and second seasons. As the Commanders' deep safety, he could force more takeaways in his second year as a full-time starter. Typically, teams are willing to pay big bucks to ball-hawking safeties. In 2026, Martin could earn a massive pay raise."
Right now, Martin could be overlooked by opposing offenses and appears to be underrated in the league. That's good for the Commanders.