“Quan Martin is about to take off.”
That is what Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said to Logan Paulsen last season after a preseason game against the Bengals.
Martin had not one, but two surgeries on both shoulders in the offseason between the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Martin had played with and then undergone surgery on what the Commanders called bilateral separated shoulders. Martin worked hard and returned for action before the 2025 season began. Thus, Quinn was excited about how he thought Martin played against the Bengals and expressed anticipation that Martin was about to make great progress in his career.
But then 2025 happened. There was a hamstring injury, then, you guessed it, another shoulder injury. He managed to play through all 17 games, but clearly struggled at times, too often missing tackles. Many noticed it, and Martin was criticized for it. Now, we have to wonder, “How much of that was trying to play, attempting to make tackles on a sore, injured shoulder?”
On Tuesday, the first day of Washington’s three-day mandatory minicamp, Martin was naturally asked about his shoulders. “I feel good, man. Just trying to get my body exactly how I want it when it comes time for the season.”
Of course, we are glad to hear that Martin is feeling stronger and ready to play again. But it wasn’t just his shoulder in 2025. There were times Martin was clearly beaten in coverage. Was it the hamstring slowing him down? Possibly, but of course, there is just no way we are going to know how injured or how limited players really are.
When Martin was asked about the 2025 team performance of 5-12 and how this 2026 team will respond, he didn’t hesitate, “Just coming out every day, trying to get better. We are putting in the work right now. We talk about the reps we are putting in now that are going to help us later down the line and throughout the season. We are just putting ourselves in the best position to be successful when it is time.”
Martin spoke highly of new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, alluding to Jones’ ability to cover the details and explain the overall concepts of what he wants to see from the defense in 2026. The Commanders’ safety room is crowded with nine currently on the 90-man roster. Is this the year Tyler Owens breaks through to play other than special teams? Jeremy Reaves was also extended, Percy Butler returns, and Nick Cross comes from the Colts via free agency. Martin knows there is competition this year in the preseason for roster spots at safety.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Quan Martin speaks on 2025 struggles
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