Commanders' early-season underachiever is raising big questions

Through roughly a quarter of the 2025 NFL campaign, limiting opposing aerial attacks has been a glaring area of weakness for the Washington Commanders. They've been susceptible to giving up the big play, specifically safety Quan Martin.

Rival offenses have recognized his shortcomings and exploited them accordingly. This raises significant questions, both short-term and long-term.

Martin, a 2023 second-round pick, has regressed this season when many expected a breakout year. It's a sign that he may not be ready to be a starter on a contending club, which many consider the Commanders to be. However, the fact that Washington invested significant draft capital in him complicates matters; do they sacrifice the present for the future or vice versa?

Commanders find themselves between a rock and a hard place with Quan Martin

On one hand, 2026 marks the final year of Martin's rookie contract, so the Commanders are on a tight deadline to evaluate him. They're running out of cost-effective opportunities to determine if he merits an extension. Time isn't on Washington's side, which could force them to operate with some urgency.

Speaking of acting fast, the Commanders are in a clear win-now window. They have a transcendent quarterback, Jayden Daniels, making a fraction of the money he deserves, and a veteran-laden roster that's the oldest in football. Washington has every reason to strike while the iron is hot and capitalize on a prime organizational setup.

Through Week 4, Washington has allowed the sixth-highest passing yards per game total (248.5) and the most yards per completion (14.2). They've been getting gashed through the air early and often, and Martin has been a part of the problem. He's been a liability in the back end of the Commanders' secondary, making it harder to trust him.

Pro Football Focus lists Martin as the league's second-worst-graded safety in coverage out of 129 qualified options. He's been on the wrong end of a 20-plus-yard reception and recorded at least one missed tackle in each of Washington's first four contests ($). His strong pass-rushing and run-stopping efforts haven't overshadowed a blatant inability to keep receivers in front of him or take them down.

Hopefully, Martin will pick things up. Otherwise, the Commanders have a big problem on their hands.