The Washington Commanders had a dream season in 2025. One year after finishing 4-13 and landing the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, the Commanders went 12-5 and appeared in their first NFC championship game in 33 years behind rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Washington’s offense was spectacular. Unfortunately, the defense wasn’t as good. Head coach Dan Quinn had his hands full, inheriting one of the league’s worst units and being unable to fill every roster hole in one offseason. There were bright spots, though. Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu were phenomenal. Rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil already looks like a future star.
Washington’s defense didn’t have many holdovers from the previous regime due to poor drafting. As the season progressed, the Commanders cut two first-round picks from the previous regime, both on defense. However, there was one holdover who appears to be a part of Washington’s plans for the foreseeable future: defensive back Quan Martin.
Martin started 16 games for the Commanders at safety, recording 87 tackles, three forced fumbles, three passes defensed and one interception. And he did it all while playing through an injury.
On Saturday, Martin revealed he had surgery on both of his shoulders after playing most of the season with the injuries. Martin suffered a separated shoulder in Week 3 and another followed on the opposite shoulder weeks later.
#Commanders safety, Quan Martin, told us today he had surgery on both his shoulders a couple months ago. He said he separated one shoulder week 3 and the other shortly after that.
“Just want to get it taken care of now so I can be 100% going into year three” @wusa9pic.twitter.com/6233SVz40W
— John Doran (@JohnDoranTV) April 26, 2025
Martin had surgery so he could be 100% by the start of the season. It’s unknown how long Martin will be limited once the Commanders begin OTAs next month.
Washington has made multiple defensive changes this offseason, but Martin remains an integral part of the future.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders DB Quan Martin played through injuries last season