Jayden Daniels was the talk of Washington's rookie class last season and for good reason. He plays the game's most important position and arguably had the greatest rookie quarterback season in NFL history. In addition to winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, Daniels led the Commanders to a 12-5 record and an appearance in the NFC championship game. It was Washington's best season in 33 years.
Daniels wasn't the Commanders' only star rookie. Second-round cornerback Mike Sainristil started every regular-season and playoff game and finished with four total interceptions. Sainristil was drafted to be Washington's slot cornerback, but due to the struggles of Emmanuel Forbes and Benjamin St-Juste, he was forced to play outside and didn't miss a beat. Sainristil was equally excellent whether he played outside or in the slot.
So, with Washington's offseason acquisitions, which included signing veteran cornerback Jonathan Jones and re-signing Noah Igbinoghene, where would Sainristil play in 2025? Remember, Marshon Lattimore returns next season and will hold down one outside position.
At the NFL owners meetings in Florida this week, head coach Dan Quinn was asked where Sainristil would play. While it would make sense for Quinn to say something like, "that's yet to be determined," Quinn was honest, saying he would continue to move around.
Dan Quinn says Mikey Sainristil will probably continue to work inside and outside, "he's shown the ability to do both."
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 1, 2025
That's the right approach. Sainristil is entering his second NFL season and has proven he can play both spots. So, why keep him in one position when you can use him everywhere? The Commanders still aren't sure what they will get from Lattimore next season. While they're confident he'll return to his previous form once healthy, it remains a bit of an unknown. Igbinoghene played well in the slot last season, while the veteran Jones can play everywhere.
Quinn also touched on Jones:
DQ says Commanders probably plan to use Jonathan Jones a little more inside than out but he will play both. "Provides some insurance when you can do both"
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 1, 2025
Having versatility with Jones and Sainristil gives Washington options, something it lacked last season. If Jones' primary focus is inside, that means Sainristil will focus more on playing outside, while Igbinoghene will be the top reserve. That's a much better situation for the Commanders than in 2024. It also wouldn't be a surprise if Washington selected a cornerback at some point in the 2025 NFL draft.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders will move Mike Sainristil around in 2025
