Entering the 2026 regular season, most expectations for Keyon Martin had him as a depth corner and core special-teamer. Week 1 told a bigger story, though. He was a key part of the rotation on Jesse Minter’s defense.
In total, Martin played 23 defensive snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
Chandler Rivers was inactive in this one, signaling that Martin didn’t have much competition for the backup slot corner spot in Sunday’s game. And with Marlon Humphrey moving to the boundary and Kyle Hamilton playing all over the field, the door swung open for Martin to get in on the action early and often.
He did just that.
It may not have been his best work, but the growing faith in Martin became obvious. He might have a fairly large role in 2026.
Baltimore Ravens’ defensive plans put Keyon Martin in favorable position
Keyon Martin fought his way onto the Baltimore roster last year. The 2025 undrafted free agent made game-changing play after game-changing play in the preseason to sneak onto the 53-man roster. This offseason, he appeared to be in a shaky spot again, but quickly set the record straight.
All summer, coaches were enamored with Martin. Back in August, Jesse Minter had the utmost praise for the 25-year-old.
“[Martin’s] got a knack for making plays,” Minter said. “That’s all he does…You love to see that from guys.”
He just kept the rhythm going, too. It got to the point where he wasn’t only a roster lock, but he was pushing his way into the rotation. He broke the dam on Sunday, seeing the field on the Indianapolis Colts' opening drive.
When the depth chart was released, it seemed pretty clear how the secondary would be schemed: Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey are the outside corners, and Kyle Hamilton is the defensive back who can play anywhere. Sunday confirmed that, as Hamilton played wherever Minter needed him.
Whenever Hamilton’s not in the slot, though, it looks like Keyon Martin will take over. Rather than finding a way to give Chidobe Awuzie reps, Minter’s unit operated with Martin and may do so moving forward.
The undeniable proof? Martin saw 23 snaps against the Colts, while Awuzie saw just 6. T.J. Tampa, on the other hand, had 0 defensive snaps, but to be fair, he left the game in the first quarter with a knee injury.
Now, Martin has to earn it. And in all honesty, his Week 1 performance didn’t really do that. He was shaky in coverage at times, giving up a big conversion to Josh Downs on a 3rd-and-8 play in the first quarter. That drive ultimately ended in a touchdown.
Like the rest of the secondary, though, Martin wasn’t entirely noticeable for the rest of the game. The unit held Daniel Jones to 19-for-31 passing for 166 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. They held their own against a receiving group headed by Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and Tyler Warren.
Still, Martin has a lot of work to do if he wants to keep getting consistent reps. However, this game shows the Ravens trust him enough to hit the field when they need someone in the slot, and Hamilton’s presence is needed closer to the line of scrimmage.
That’s a good start for Martin. Hopefully he can build on it. It’s an opportunity he cannot afford to waste.
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