Dan Quinn brings clarity to fledgling Commanders' franchise cornerstone's role

The Washington Commanders didn't make many big splashes in free agency. Adam Peters opted to sign veterans on one-year deals and re-sign a lot of free agents who contributed so much to the cause in 2024. This was a recipe for success in Year 1 of this ambitious project, so hopes are high that the same occurs again.

An acquisition that went relatively under the radar stands to benefit one of Washington's fledgling franchise cornerstones.

The Commanders didn't want to settle at the cornerback position. They acquired Marshon Lattimore via trade from the New Orleans Saints before the deadline. This failed to reap immediate rewards, although that largely has to do with his hamstring injury leaving him at less than 100 percent whenever he was on the field.

Noah Igbinoghene was re-signed after impressing in 2024. The Commanders also spent a second-round selection on Mike Sainristil last spring, who quickly established himself to become an absolute revelation in Year 1 of his professional career.

Sainristil was seen as a slot specialist coming out of Michigan. The Commanders had to move him to the boundary when Benjamin St-Juste, Michael Davis, and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. struggled to make an impact. He thrived on the outside, which is a trend that could continue based on Dan Quinn's recent comments.

Commanders plans for Jonathan Jones could see Mike Sainristil remain outside

When discussing the potential role of two-time Super Bowl winner Jonathan Jones following his arrival in free agency, Quinn revealed that they plan to use the veteran in the nickel more often than not. This is the most telling sign yet that the Commanders are comfortable deploying Sainristil on the boundary to see if there is more to come with a full offseason in the role.

I’d say we’re probably a little more inside than out, but that’s where I’m at today. But knowing that he has the flexibility, he and a couple of guys will probably play both spots. … It provides some insurance when you can move guys around in different locations. So, we’ll do that with him too.Dan Quinn via The Athletic

There's a chance this could change if another cornerback is acquired during the draft. But for now, all signs point to the Commanders implementing Lattimore and Sainristil as their outside coverage tandem. Jones will go into the slot, with Igbinoghene as the No. 4 option unless someone else comes into the fold. That's not a bad quartet to call upon with the promise of more on the way.

Continuity is key. Sainristil proved he could cover anybody last season. He might not win every rep, but he'll approach every rep with the same mindset and never back down from a challenge. Looking at the competitive spirit within Lattimore, it's the fire and athleticism that were sorely lacking in Washington's cornerback unit throughout Ron Rivera's tenure.

This is interchangeable depending on the matchup. Jones has the tools to go outside. We all saw how impactful Sainristil was as a nickel in college and over his early stint with the Commanders. Having this flexibility will make a significant difference against some outstanding passing attacks on Washington's schedule in 2025.

Sainristil is a star. If everyone else meets their end of the bargain, the cornerback group could become an area of strength when push comes to shove.