For the second year straight, Baltimore Ravens cornerback Keyon Martin is becoming an preseason darling. He made a successful run for a roster spot last season as an undrafted free agent, and this time around, he is doing everything in his power to ensure he’s back on the active roster.
In Baltimore’s preseason opening win over the Philadelphia Eagles, Martin was one of the many stars in a defensive masterpiece. He led the team with four tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack. He was everywhere.
Martin might be an undersized corner, but that clearly hasn’t stopped him from seeking out the ball carrier on a consistent basis. He's put that elite playmaking tendency on full display since the moment he stepped foot in Charm City, and at this point, he’s going to force his way into the rotation in 2026.
Keyon Martin is already blowing revamped Baltimore Ravens coaching staff away
Keyon Martin’s 2025 showcase still holds weight, but thanks to the coaching overhaul and a deep cornerback room, he finds himself back somewhat close to square one. He has to fight his way onto the 53-man roster again. Martin understands the challenge at hand, though, and he’s up for it.
In a postgame interview, Martin described the mindset that he’s been taking onto the field this offseason. He possesses that “never satisfied” kind of mentality.
“Every year, you gotta come out here and make the team, so I feel like I’m in the same position I was last year,” Martin said. “I gotta prove myself that I deserve to be on the 53-man roster…that’s just gonna continue throughout my whole career.”
That chip on Martin’s shoulder is the ultimate equalizer. At 5-foot-9, he’s likely been doubted at every turn of his football career, but his approach, preparation, skill set, and everything else mean so much more than that number. Most importantly, it’s his nose for the football that’s helped him be a constant force.
Head coach Jesse Minter is taking notice of Martin’s tenacity, too. The Louisiana product was one of the players Minter beamed about when talking about Saturday’s victory.
“[Martin’s] got a knack for making plays,” Minter said. “That’s all he does…Practice, games, his number’s called, and you love to see that from guys.”
That’s the exact impression that a player on the bubble needs to make on his coaches. Evidently, he’s becoming a more and more trustworthy face to turn to when a play needs to be made. If he keeps doing that, there’s a real chance a bigger role could follow.
It doesn’t matter if it’s on defense or special teams, Martin is going give it every ounce of effort and do his best to change the game. You can always bet on him to fly to the football—it’s like a sixth sense for him. So although his spot on the team isn’t necessarily guaranteed, he’s made an immediate impact, and one that’s going to turn heads on the coaching staff all preseason long.
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