Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was quite revealing in his first chat with the media this offseason. Whitt spoke at length about the Commanders’ pass rush, Javon Kinlaw, Marshon Lattimore, some of his rookies, the tush push and much more.
Whitt also lavished praise on two of Washington’s returning players: safety Quan Martin and defensive tackle Daron Payne. Whitt and head coach Dan Quinn singled out both players, with Quinn saying Payne had a “remarkable” offseason.
Whitt praised Martin for his continued growth last season, saying he thinks he will be one of the NFL’s best safeties. On a defense led by future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner, the Commanders have outstanding leadership. Then, you add in quarterback Jayden Daniels, tight end Zach Ertz, wide receiver Terry McLaurin, safety Jeremy Reaves and linebacker Frankie Luvu, the Commanders aren’t lacking in leadership.
You can add Martin and Payne to that list of leaders.
“He’s a leader, he doesn’t talk much at all, alright,” Whitt said of Payne. “But he is leading by example, and this year you can really see him taking that leadership role and taking it to the next step. So, I would say he’s been the guy that’s just really stood out to me the most from that standpoint.”
Martin played through significant pain last season and proved to be one of Washington’s top defenders and a player to build around. His play, toughness and leadership impressed Whitt.
“So, “I’ve been pleased with everything Quan and Daron, I just want to keep saying that because those two guys have come in with laser focus and they’re the leaders of the defense along with Bobby and Frankie,” Whitt said.
To name Payne and Martin alongside Wagner and Luvu is a big deal. It isn’t this staff’s style to praise players publicly to motivate them. They praise players who’ve earned that praise. For Washington to improve defensively in 2025, it must get more from its defensive line, specifically Payne. It sounds like he’s stepped up.
The Commanders will hold a mandatory minicamp this week before training camp begins next month.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Two Commanders emerge as leaders this offseason