An unexpected breakout player can actually be the x-factor for the Washington Commanders' defense this season
A lot of the success of the Washington Commanders' season falls on how well the defense performs when they're on the field, and if they can help give Jayden Daniels as many opportunities to score as possible.
The defense will have to be improved from last season for the team to get over the hump, especially when it comes to getting to the quarterback. One underrated signing this offseason may be the difference-maker the Commanders needed off the edge.
One player will exceed expectations
Commanders general manager Adam Peters went to work once again this offseason and brought in players he believes will help, and one went unnoticed until recently. The Commanders signed pass rusher Jacob Martin to a one-year deal worth up to $3 million, and no one even batted an eye at it. What I saw on Monday night showed me that Martin can be a much bigger factor than people realize.
Martin had his breakout performance in the second preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, and he will be in the backfield this season more than expected. On 14 pass rush snaps Monday night, Martin has four pressures, three hurries, one QB hit, and a sack according to PFF.
Outstanding night for Commanders ED Jacob Martin (55):
• 4 pressures
• 3 hurries
• 1 QB hit
• 0.5 sack
Excellent rep here v Jaxson Kirkland⤵️ pic.twitter.com/FsRe4IZqWG
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) August 19, 2025
The Commanders signed Von Miller during training camp, and Martin is listed right behind the all-time great, who can also bring out the best of the 29-year-old. The defense lost Dante Fowler in free agency after not wanting to bring him back, and they needed someone to make up for the 10.5 sacks Fowler had last season, and Miller and Martin should absolutely be able to together.
Miller will only see the field on third and fourth down, but Martin can come on for the early downs if Dan Quinn wants to rush the QB still, and not lose the ability to stop the run as well on the way to the backfield. Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. will be able to experiment and move a lot of pieces around on the front seven this season, and rush the QB by committee like they did against Joe Burrow Monday night.
The signing may have gone under the radar, but don't sleep on the instant impact Martin will have on the defense. He can have a similar season to what Fowler did last season, which nobody expected, and be much better at stopping the run when he rotates in. The overall pass rush will be much improved this season, which will be vital for a position group that was heavily criticized this offseason.
