The Washington Commanders opened the preseason on Friday with a 20-7 win over the Miami Dolphins. Most of Washington's starters did not play, giving an opportunity to others who are battling to make the Commanders' 53-man roster or perhaps another team's roster.
One Washington player many felt could be on the roster bubble was fourth-year safety Quan Martin. A 2023 second-round pick, Martin is entering a critical season. After a promising 2024 season, former defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said last summer that Martin had the potential to be one of the NFL's best safeties. By late in the season, Whitt was demoted, and Martin's snaps were decreased.
He received a new lease on life in January, when the Commanders hired former Vikings secondary coach Daronte Jones as the new defensive coordinator.
In Friday's game, Martin was on the field, leading many to think he was still battling for a roster spot. Nick Cross and Jeremy Reaves received the night off, with Martin and Will Harris active. Head coach Dan Quinn said that was no big deal and could change next week. But Martin apparently received the message. He finished Friday with an interception and two tackles. He made a great run stop at one point and stayed around the ball. He earned praise from Quinn after the game.
Another former Washington second-round pick shared the field with Martin on Friday night: defensive tackle Johnny Newton. A 2024 second-round pick, the Commanders are still waiting for Newton to deliver on the potential that made him the 2023 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and the No. 36 overall pick in 2024.

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