The Washington Commanders begin training camp next week. This week, Washington’s 2025 rookie class is scheduled to report for their first camp. On Tuesday, we previewed the Commanders’ cornerback position. Today, we look at safety.

Washington will have at least one new starter at safety in 2025 with Jeremy Chinn departing after one productive season to sign a two-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Who will replace him? Let’s assess Washington’s safety situation.

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Here is a rundown of the Commanders’ situation at the safety position.

Defensive coordinator: Joe Whitt Jr.

Defensive backs coach: Tommy Donatell

Assistant defensive backs coach: William Gay

Defensive pass game coordinator: Jason Simmons

Senior defensive assistant: John Pagano

Washington doesn’t have a dedicated safety coach, but plenty of experienced secondary coaches. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. is a former defensive back coach at multiple stops. Donatell previously coached the secondary for the Los Angeles Chargers. Gay is a longtime NFL cornerback with the Steelers, while Simmons enjoyed a 10-year playing career as a safety. Pagano is a former defensive coordinator and secondary coach.

Strong safety: Will Harris

Martin took a big step in his second NFL season. He became the linchpin of Washington’s secondary. We learned this offseason about Martin’s toughness, as he played most of the season despite injuries to both shoulders and underwent offseason surgery. Harris signed a two-year deal after spending last season in New Orleans. Harris’ metrics compare favorably to Chinn’s, and he’s versatile. Harris is a physical presence and will have the first crack starting opposite Martin.

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The Commanders have quality depth here. While Reaves is known for his outstanding work on special teams, he always thrives when he receives the opportunity to play extended time on defense. Butler is entering his fourth season and had his best season under Washington’s new coaching staff. Butler improved in coverage and is an excellent athlete. Owens is the name to watch. Last year’s undrafted rookie was a preseason and training camp standout, immediately making his mark on special teams. Owens is a player to watch this summer. Don’t be shocked if he makes a push to start.

There are questions here, but Martin’s ascension last season gives the coaching staff plenty of reasons to be excited. Harris can start, but his contract doesn’t guarantee that he’ll start. That leaves the door open for Butler or Owens to make a push. Even if Butler doesn’t win a starting spot, he’ll play a lot. The Commanders often use three safeties, or did last season, with Butler in that role. However, that may not be the case in 2025 with improved cornerback depth.

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This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders training camp preview: Safeties