That's exactly what the Commanders had in mind. Adam Peters and Dan Quinn wanted to raise standards by improving their options on the playing personnel. Competition breeds success. It makes everyone better, and every member of the roster knows that good performances will be rewarded by those in power.
Peters and Quinn got some useful hints throughout Washington's offseason program. Some established figures came to the fore as expected. Some are still facing an uphill battle despite their best efforts. And a select few are quickly becoming undeniable after a rousing contribution so far.
It all adds to the fascination before training camp and preseason games roll around. Until then, here are five Commanders players who went from overlooked to unbreakable this offseason.
Commanders who went from overlooked to unbreakable this offseason
Quan Martin - Commanders S
Nobody associated with the Washington Commanders underestimated Quan Martin. The talented safety's outstanding performances went relatively unnoticed league-wide. However, there's a growing sense that could change with another step forward in 2025.
The Commanders took their time with Martin over early workouts. But the flashes displayed by the former second-round selection suggest a big campaign from the alpha role on the backend is well within his capabilities.
Martin is the top dog in Washington's safety room now. The Commanders let Jeremy Chinn walk for the Las Vegas Raiders, which remains a contentious issue among the fan base. Will Harris came in to replace the Southern Illinois product. Percy Butler, Jeremy Reaves, and Tyler Owens are expected to fill the backup roles.
This unit will go as far as Martin takes them. He demonstrated promise as a nickel cornerback during his rookie campaign. Once Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. moved him back to the position where he starred at Illinois, the benefits were evident.
The fact that Martin performed so well last season was immensely encouraging. And considering he did all this after suffering two separated shoulders throughout the campaign makes it all the more pleasing.
Perhaps most telling is how the mainstream media is starting to take notice of Martin. He's a regular figure in potential breakout lists, which will be the primary goal next season as the Commanders look to make the defensive improvements needed to dethrone the Philadelphia Eagles.
If this mission is accomplished, Martin will become Ron Rivera's most impressive draft pick outside of Sam Cosmi.
Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders weren't going to sit on their hands at the wide receiver spot this offseason. Surrounding quarterback Jayden Daniels with improved weapons in the passing game was high on Adam Peters' list of priorities. The general manager rectified this as a matter of urgency when the recruitment period began.
Washington traded for Deebo Samuel Sr. They drafted Jaylin Lane and gave Michael Gallup a chance to resume his NFL career after one year in retirement. Couple this with the options already around, including the re-signed Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn, and things were looking up.
That threw down the gauntlet to Luke McCaffrey. The second-year wideout came along gradually as a rookie. He flashed promise as a pass-catcher and grew into a prominent kick-return role as the campaign went on. That left reasons for optimism, but the former third-round pick didn't want to get lost in the shuffle.
McCaffrey is well on his way to achieving this objective. With Terry McLaurin, Brown, and Gallup all missing time throughout Washington's mandatory minicamp, the Rice product took center stage. He was more than ready for the responsibility.
After emerging as one of Washington's offseason standouts, fans are hoping the breakout they were expecting from McCaffrey last season will finally come to fruition this time around.
Percy Butler - Commanders S
Most fans had Percy Butler tabbed as a potential salary-cap cut candidate this offseason. The safety is entering the final year of his rookie deal and was used sparingly in the rotation last season. That pointed to a distinct lack of trust in the defensive back, so it was a precarious situation in no uncertain terms.
You find out a lot about players when they face adversity. Some wilt under pressure with jobs on the line. Others display the resolve that turns things around. Based on Butler's efforts throughout preparations so far, he's going towards the latter.
The Commanders have been thrilled with Butler's effort and improved consistency so far. Head coach Dan Quinn singled him out for special praise, highlighting his renewed focus and the work he's put in away from the team as reasons for optimism.
There's a chance for Butler to make a bigger impression next season, and not just on special teams. Quan Martin and free-agent signing Will Harris are projected to start on the backend. Joe Whitt Jr. wants to get Jeremy Reaves more involved, and Tyler Owens has the physical scope that looks tailor-made for Quinn's defensive concepts.
Butler must reimpose himself. And he's off to a tremendous start in pursuit of silencing his doubters.
Colson Yankoff - Commanders TE
Colson Yankoff was a real success story last summer. Nobody gave the tight end much of a chance to make the squad after joining in undrafted free agency. He persevered, fought his way into consideration, and seized chances when they arose. That was enough for the Washington Commanders to reward him accordingly.
Making the 53-man roster was a significant accomplishment for Yankoff. The former UCLA standout worked exceptionally hard to achieve this objective. It didn't come with much involvement on game days, but the experience of being around the squad during a phenomenal campaign is only going to serve him well moving forward.
That's been evident over Washington's preparations for the new campaign to date. Yankoff's caught the eye of coaches and media in attendance. He's improving as a pass-catcher and looks sharper out of his routes. There's a long way to go, but the initial signs are incredibly promising.
Firmly establishing himself in the tight-end room will be tough. Zach Ertz re-signed for another go-around after his superb 2024 efforts. John Bates got a long-term commitment to resume his role as a blocking specialist. Former second-round pick Ben Sinnott received praise from head coach Dan Quinn for his development, so a bigger role could be in the offing.
Yankoff has given himself a fighting chance. At the same time, any complacency at camp will be his downfall.
Jordan Magee - Commanders LB
The Commanders thought a lot of Jordan Magee. They believed he was a steal in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and it looked like that was the case after the linebacker's sensational start over early offseason workouts.
Unfortunately, Magee suffered a knee injury that required surgery just as some real momentum was starting to build. The Commanders took their time with the rookie upon his return, using him more as a special-teams ace without tasking him with responsibilities on the defensive rotation.
That was the right call. Placing too much on Magee's young shoulders, especially given the Commanders were fighting for playoff standing, could have done more harm than good. It was a small setback, but the former Temple standout has picked up where he left off this time around.
Magee drew rave reviews throughout Washington's offseason program. The second-level presence looked sharp, explosive, and ready to make a difference. He's keen to make up for lost time, which is reflected in his on-field urgency.
Joe Whitt Jr. wants to get him more involved in three-linebacker sets alongside Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner when the situation dictates. Magee's involvement in the defensive rotation throughout early preparations lends more weight to these intentions.
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