Category: Washington commander

Mike Sainristil is going to be a household name before long.

Mike Sainristil | Timothy Nwachukwu

Jayden Daniels hogged the headlines as the franchise quarterback everyone associated with the Washington Commanders desperately needed. But that doesn’t detract from the fact that Adam Peters struck gold with one of his second-round picks for good measure.

This went relatively under the radar in comparison. But judging by Sainristil’s approach over Washington’s offseason program, the fiery cornerback is going to become a household name sooner rather than later.

The Commanders thought they had a tremendous player on their hands when Sainristil fell to No. 50 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. His production at Michigan needed no introduction. He won over those in power with an elite-level mentality throughout the team’s comprehensive assessments. The questions centered on whether his lack of size would prove complicated in the pros.

Mike Sainristil proved his worth as future Commanders franchise cornerstone

Sainristil answered these concerns emphatically. He thrived early on as the nickel option. When the Commanders switched him outside, he transitioned seamlessly, never backing down from a challenge and displaying the high-class consistency that made the defensive back an instant fan favorite.

The second-year pro is only going to get better. Sainristil is eager to build on his rookie exploits and was lauded for his outstanding impact during offseason workouts. Washington’s cornerback room could be an area of strength next season. The additions made over the spring should also allow him to go back inside, where his skills are best suited.

That’s a big positive. But having this added experience on the boundary makes Sainristil more well-rounded. Dan Quinn agrees, highlighting his savvy mindset and adjustability as reasons why the sky’s the limit.

“Mike’s somebody that, he’s hard to fool. Much like Jayden, he’s got a little bit of an older soul about him, he takes to coaching quickly, he doesn’t repeat mistakes. And so, for him, the opportunity, when it comes to go and nail it — he delivered on that.”

Dan Quinn via Commanders.com

Sainristil is well on his way to becoming a franchise cornerstone. He embraced Washington’s culture shift, learning from the veterans and quickly coming out of his shell. This is just the start, so fans should expect more of the same when competitive action begins in Week 1 against the New York Giants.

This is a superstar in every sense of the term, so soon into his NFL journey. If Sainristil enhances his performance levels next season and the Commanders go deep into the playoffs once again, his best-kept secret status will evaporate quickly.

Washington’s quarterback sat down with Alison Starling to discuss a variety of topics.

Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota

Jayden Daniels has quickly become the type of athlete whose image reaches beyond the game.

When he was drafted No. 2 overall by the Washington Commanders last spring, he was considered a promising selection who could, in time, become a long-term solution to the franchise’s perpetual quarterback purgatory. But he’s so much more than that.

No one expected the impact Daniels made in Year 1. He was the runaway winner of NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors while guiding the Commanders to the NFC Championship game. More importantly, he captivated an entire fan base and got Washington’s football franchise back on the map.

Now in his first full offseason, he’s doing all the things that the big stars do. In this case, sitting down for an extensive interview with former WJLA-TV news anchor Alison Starling on her “Living Well” podcast.

Jayden Daniels avoiding complacency as Commanders aim for sustained greatness

Daniels touched on a wide variety of subjects, including adjusting to his superstar status as well as the anticipation for the Commanders’ upcoming season and how he is mentally preparing for higher expectations. Starling inquired as to how close he believes Washington is to winning a Super Bowl, to which the Heisman Trophy winner gave an honest response.

“We’ve got to take it day by day… what we did last year was special, but nothing is going to be given to us this year. Obviously we’ve got some new pieces, we’ve got to be able to gel with each other, and hopefully at the end of the day we can make a run.”

Jayden Daniels

The conversation then went on to discuss how Daniels takes care of his mental health both in and out of football. He credits a strong support system with both his immediate family and his Commanders’ teammates and coaching staff. June is Men’s Mental Health Month, and the subject was a primary catalyst for this appearance.

“In an NFL locker room, you’re around people so much that they start to know stuff about you outside of football. So if you’re going through something, you can always talk to one of your teammates and you never know, they might’ve gone through something similar. That’s the continuity we’ve built, where you can go out there and be vulnerable because you know everyone wants the best interests for you at heart.”

Jayden Daniels

Finally, the conversation ended on a more lighthearted note as Daniels discussed his pre-game routine. This included a hearty breakfast of waffles and a phone call to pray with his father on every game day.

All in all, it’s a productive discussion that’s worth your time to listen to if you have about 20 minutes to spare.

For as much as Washington appreciates Daniels, the quarterback, it’s a wonderful opportunity to get to know Daniels, the human.

Releasing veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen was a difficult yet almost inevitable call by the Washington Commanders this offseason. It also left a gaping hole on the field and in the locker room that must be filled effectively.

One player is coming to the fore, emerging from Allen’s shadow in pursuit of stepping into his shoes.

The reports have been glowing around Daron Payne over Washington’s organized team activities. He’s come in for criticism from sections of the media and fan base over the last two seasons, but the renewed focus and purpose have been evident over early workouts. If the same trend continues over the summer, it’s going to be the biggest positive imaginable entering the 2025 campaign.

Commanders looking for leadership from Daron Payne after Jonathan Allen’s release

Head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. singled Payne out for special praise during their media availability on Wednesday. The pair lauded his commitment and overall approach. He’s setting an example as the senior figure that others must follow accordingly.

Payne elaborated on his newfound approach. He’s looking to set the tone. He’s also responding to his coaches, who challenged him to be more of a leader in the wake of Allen’s departure.

“Just coming in, trying to show the young boys how to do it by doing it. After the season, you get to talk with all the coaches. Coach [Darryl] Tapp, he challenged me to be a leader, so I’ve just been challenging myself to be a leader, just going out there and working hard.”

Daron Payne via 7News DC

The former first-round pick out of Alabama freely admitted that in previous years, he’d do the work required and go about his business away from the team. Payne had Allen, a longtime teammate in Washington and with the Crimson Tide in college, shoulder those duties.

That’s not the case anymore. Allen is now on the Minnesota Vikings, leaving Payne as the elder statesman on Washington’s defensive front. The time to take over the mantle has arrived, and it’s something the interior force is taking seriously.

A fully motivated Payne is going to be crucial for the Commanders in their quest to get over the hump. There’s also plenty at stake for the player, who’s the team’s highest salary-cap hit currently and could be a potential cut candidate next spring if loftier standards aren’t met.

That’s a scenario nobody wants. But these latest revelations around Payne’s growing influence are notable. And everyone associated with the Commanders stands to benefit if this eventually sees him become Allen’s locker room alpha replacement.

The Washington Commanders made fortifying their trenches a big priority this offseason. Adam Peters saw how these critical areas became unstuck in the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s working hard to ensure this doesn’t become an ongoing issue.

And there is one overlooked prospect drawing significant interest from the Commanders heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

Peters doesn’t have much draft capital to utilize right now. The Commanders boast five picks after some frantic trade activity in recent months. That should help in the short term, but it makes the general manager’s task more difficult when the selection event arrives.

The Commanders would like more picks, so moving down in the first or second round is the best way to extract maximum value. Peters is adept at moving up or down the board to benefit the team. He’s also proven his worth as a shrewd negotiator during discussions to further raise optimism.

Commanders reportedly showing strong pre-draft interest in Adin Huntington

Washington’s local pro day provided another opportunity for the Commanders to examine the credentials of Adin Huntington. The Tulane standout revealed to Josh Taylor from USA Today that he met with a star-studded cast of coaches and front-office personnel privately once on-field activities concluded.

Among those who met with Huntington included Dan Quinn, Peters, Ryan Kerrigan, and Darryl Tapp. This is an intriguing revelation, something that puts the prospect firmly on Washington’s radar.

It was also the third time Huntington had met with Washington’s brass throughout the process. He spoke with them at the CGS All-Star Game and his local pro day. This is due diligence if nothing else, but three meetings state that the Commanders like what they see (and hear).

Huntington made a name for himself at Louisiana-Monroe before transferring to the Green Wave. He’s versatile and athletic enough to play anywhere along the defensive line in a variety of techniques. These traits are valued highly by Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. within their schematic concepts.

The prospect’s testing numbers are exceptional. He’s not the biggest, so Huntington needs to brush up on his run-stopping technique before confidence in his chances increases. But his high work ethic makes him extremely coachable.

Just where Huntington will be taken is anyone’s guess. Most analysts have him tabbed as a late Day 3 selection. Others have him going undrafted. The Commanders have picks in the sixth or seventh round, so they could have the luxury to take him if other pressing priorities are filled beforehand.

Huntington fits the physical profile. His 9.6 Relative Athletic Score is a testament to the intangibles he brings to the table. If the Commanders can nurture his talent and bring him along gradually, this could be a possible sleeper when push comes to shove.

The Commanders made some decent additions to their defensive line this offseason. They also re-signed some on the fringes who flashed during their memorable run to the final four. However, Peters will not be settling by any stretch of the imagination.

Huntington is drawing interest from the Commanders. Whether it amounts to anything more hasn’t been determined, but this is a notable development worth monitoring at the very least.

Speculation resurfaced around the Washington Commanders entering the Trey Hendrickson trade sweepstakes after the defensive end’s criticism of comments made by the Cincinnati Bengals. But for now, general manager Adam Peters had something else in mind.

The Commanders have already spent significant draft assets in the trade market this offseason. They’ve acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., which could be good value for a fifth-round pick if the versatile weapon bounces back from a down year with the San Francisco 49ers. Prolific left tackle Laremy Tunsil cost a lot more, but he’s an elite-level performer who’ll completely change the offensive line’s landscape next season.

Whether the Commanders could still inquire about Hendrickson’s availability remains to be seen. Peters is exploring all options in pursuit of bolstering the pass rush, including going against the grain with a notable curveball that took most by surprise.

Commanders add rugby player T.J. Maguranyanga to boost defensive line

The team confirmed the signing of T.J. Maguranyanga, who joins via the NFL’s international player program. The Zimbabwe rugby player won’t count against a roster spot and was reportedly in talks with several teams before choosing the Commanders.

Maguranyanga has some intriguing athletic measurables and carved out a successful (albeit brief) rugby career for himself. The 22-year-old has his sights set on the bigger and more lucrative world of the NFL. But this isn’t going to move the needle all that much.

Dan Quinn revealed at the NFL annual league meetings that he’s spending more time thinking about finding ways to counteract the Philadelphia Eagles’ tush push than getting the play outlawed. Signing a rugby player probably has something to do with that.

One quick examination of the mauls, rucks, and scrums involved in rugby — something akin to the NFL play made famous by the Eagles — and you can see the similarities. Just how much Maguranyanga can help stop this is highly debatable, but it wouldn’t hurt to get some input from a player well-versed in short-area physicality.

It might come to nothing, but the Commanders want to find out for sure. Not many offensive players or defenders have come through the international pathway program to make successful careers for themselves, but Maguranyanga is young and impressionable enough to be coached up if nothing else.

Hendrickson is on the opposite end of the spectrum. He’s an elite difference-maker with All-Pro-caliber credentials. He’s also going to cost much more from a draft compensation and contract standpoint.

Noah Igbinoghene is back to round off a decent-looking cornerback room.

Adam Peters placed a high value on keeping those around who made lasting contributions in 2024. With this year’s free agency class not exactly brimming with talent, the Washington Commanders are running it back with most in the hope of further progress next season.

The Commanders’ latest re-signing was more popular than most — something that provides Washington with a potentially prolific cornerback foursome for good measure.

Noah Igbinoghene came to the fore in 2024 when given an opportunity. The failings of others in the cornerback room forced Washington’s defensive staff into a change of pace. It was a big gamble, but the rewards were evident.

Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. deserve praise for pivoting. They switched rookie slot specialist Mike Sainristil to the outside, moving Igbinoghene to the nickel role. The improvements were immediate and the former first-round pick deservedly received another commitment from the franchise.

Noah Igbinoghene extension provides extra security in Commanders cornerback room

Igbinoghene hadn’t met the expectations of a first-round pick before landing in Washington. Quinn thought there was something more to give after working with him on the Dallas Cowboys in 2023. It took a little time and it wasn’t perfect by any stretch, but there were far more good moments than bad.

The Commanders now have four relatively decent cornerback options at their disposal. Four-time Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore leads the way and should bounce back with a full offseason to prepare and get healthy. Sainristil looked like a superstar in Year 1 of his professional career and should flourish further. Washington also secured Jonathan Jones in free agency following his prolific stint with the New England Patriots.

With Igbinoghene also on board for another season at least, it’s a solid quartet. It shouldn’t stop Peters from acquiring another cornerback via the 2025 NFL Draft, but the need is less urgent. That is good news considering the Commanders only have five selections as things stand.

It’s been a modest free agency aside from the bombshell trade to acquire left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Igbinoghene’s extension is the latest example of the trust attached to players who rose to the big occasion last season.

This one is different. Unlike some 30-somethings without much good football left, Igbinoghene could be only just scratching the surface of what he’s capable of.

He’s just turned 25 years old entering his prime. His confidence will be high after accumulating significant reps last season and playing well. There’s a good chance the Auburn product can build on this if complacency doesn’t become an issue.

If Igbinoghene can continue to learn, grow, and benefit from having some outstanding options around him, it would be surprising if he didn’t take another leap forward next season. If that comes to fruition, another longer-term commitment might be coming his way in Washington or elsewhere this time next year.

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Trey Hendrickson is talented, but Myles Garrett is on a different level.

Trey Hendrickson | Cooper Neill/GettyImages Let’s establish two key points from the start. If the Washington Commanders were to trade for Cincinnati Bengals’ All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson, he would immediately become the best pass rusher they’ve had since Ryan Kerrigan, who never came close to matching Hendrickson’s 35 sacks over the last two seasons.

The second point is that Hendrickson doesn’t quite measure up to Myles Garrett.

The “go all in, no matter what it takes” approach that might apply to a cquiring Garrett is not one the Commanders should adopt for Hendrickson, even though he could make a strong impact.

When the San Francisco 49ers were in a tight spot financially, Adam Peters made a great move by trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel. The Bengals find themselves in a similar situation. Their priority is retaining core players like Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, which leaves little space for Hendrickson.

Timing is crucial here.

Bengals general manager Duke Tobin had been publicly hopeful of extending Hendrickson, but the moment Maxx Crosby’s contract with the Raiders was announced, Tobin realized that the market for elite defensive ends had shifted. Cincinnati now faces the reality that they might not meet Hendrickson’s financial demands.

This development is vital for the Commanders or any team looking to trade for Hendrickson. Peters is unlikely to give up the draft capital required for a trade if he views Hendrickson as a short-term solution. That’s not how he operates.

Peters would want to negotiate a contract extension with Hendrickson to keep him in Washington through 2026 or 2027. Fortunately, Peters has been exceptionally smart during his tenure in D.C., and he’s unlikely to make a poor decision.

The Commanders face a tough choice between Trey Hendrickson and Myles Garrett this offseason. Washington isn’t in a strong position when it comes to draft capital.

Paul Dehner Jr. from The Athletic recently outlined what similar players to Hendrickson have cost in recent years. Only one top-tier edge rusher — Bradley Chubb in 2022 — was traded for a first-round pick. That first-rounder was the 29th pick — the same pick Washington holds this year.

At the time, Chubb was four years younger than Hendrickson. Most top pass rushers, from established veterans like Von Miller and Khalil Mack to younger stars like Brian Burns and Washington’s own Montez Sweat, have been traded for second-round picks.

Given the Commanders’ strong performance in 2024, their second-round pick doesn’t come until pick No. 61. Unless the market shifts dramatically, that won’t be enough to land Hendrickson. Therefore, Peters may need to be creative.

He could consider trading away his first-round pick along with other assets to acquire Hendrickson and potentially some late-round picks this year. This trade scenario, suggested by Ben Standig from The Athletic, makes sense.

Alternatively, Peters could trade back from the first round to gain more draft capital and then use that to secure Hendrickson while replenishing his draft stock.

The Commanders have emphasized that building through the draft under Peters is their preferred approach. This is how most successful organizations operate, as it’s more efficient and cost-effective than relying on expensive free-agent acquisitions.

Trading away a first-round pick contradicts this philosophy. During his time with the 49ers, Peters saw firsthand how John Lynch avoided giving up a first-round pick for a young star like Christian McCaffrey, opting instead for multiple high picks.

While the recent acquisition of Samuel might not have cost much, it did further reduce Washington’s draft resources. The team currently has six picks, only three of which are in the first 200. A trade for Hendrickson would deplete those resources even further, potentially limiting their ability to secure additional picks.

Then there’s the matter of salary.

Crosby’s contract is worth three years, $106.5 million, with the majority of it guaranteed. This works out to around $35 million per season, nearly $10 million more than Washington’s highest-paid player, Daron Payne.

Would Peters be willing to disrupt the team’s salary structure, particularly when it would mean over $50 million invested in two defensive linemen?

While Hendrickson likely won’t command Crosby-like money — given Crosby’s age and importance to the Raiders — Hendrickson’s representatives will still seek a deal close to that range, and he has no obligation to agree to an extension.

Financially, despite the appeal, it doesn’t make much sense.

The rising star is fired up about his new wide receiver in Washington.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) scrambles during the first quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) scrambles during the first quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

As the 2025 NFL Combine winds down in Indianapolis, the Washington Commanders find themselves as the talk of the league after trading for longtime San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

The Commanders entered the offseason in search of reinforcements alongside All-Pro Terry McLaurin to help rising star quarterback Jayden Daniels continue to ascend. After being linked to Chris Godwin and Tee Higgins, Washington was instead able to part with a fifth-round pick to land Samuel.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels poses with the Offensive Rookie of the Year award during Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre.

Daniels has already made it clear that he’s excited about his newest target. In the aftermath of the trade going down, the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year shared a two-word reaction on Instagram that shows he’s ready for more following Washington’s run to an NFC Championship appearance.

“Let’s work!” Daniels wrote while tagging Samuel.

Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels/Instagram

The deal doesn’t come without risks as Washington is now on the hook for the entirety of his $17.55 million salary in 2025. Samuel played at less than 100% for most of last season, missing two games while dealing with calf, wrist, oblique, and rib injuries along with a bout of pneumonia that briefly put him into the hospital.

Samuel finished the 2024 campaign with 806 total yards and four touchdowns both of which were the second-worst of his career outside of a 2020 season when he played in just seven games. He recorded a season-high eight catches for 110 yards in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on September 15.

The 49ers drafted Samuel in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He requested a trade from San Francisco during the 2022 offseason but ultimately signed a three-year/$71.5 million contract with the franchise. Samuel wanted to move on again following the conclusion of last season and general manager John Lynch honored his request.

Deebo Samuel

Dec 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) celebrates after a play during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium.

If Samuel can recover this offseason and use the motivation from the trade to bounce back, he could be a difference-maker in Washington. He’s only a few years removed from an All-Pro season in 2021 where he caught 77 catches for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns along with rushing 59 times for 365 yards and eight more scores.

Daniels has to be salivating as the Commanders have acquired Samuels and retained offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury over the last few weeks. As a rookie, the No. 2 overall pick completed 331/480 passes for 3,568 yards with 25 touchdowns to nine interceptions. Daniels added 148 rushes for 891 yards and six scores.

Washington will continue to search for pieces to add around Daniels during free agency and the NFL Draft.

Which Wide Receivers Do The Commanders Have Under Contract For 2025?

Chris Moore, 10th year

Terry McLaurin, 7th year

Deebo Samuel, 7th year

Lawrence Cager, 6th year

Mike Strachan, 5th year

Demetric Felton, 5th year

Kazmeir Allen, 3rd year

Luke McCafferey, 2nd year

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

Washington has the third-most cap space in the NFL

The NFL sets their salary cap every year after the season and before the new league year. It had been steadily rising by $10-12 million since 2013. A new CBA was signed in 2012 after a lockout, and TV deals pumped a ton of money into the league’s coffers which allowed the pot to grow for players. That changed four years ago as the NFL looked to spread out some of the losses from the last three years. The cap dropped $15.7 million from 2020 to 2021, but it bounced back three years ago, and has been growing bigger every year since. The NFL sent a memo to teams today saying the salary cap will fall in the range of $277.5-281.5 million for the 2015 season.

The Washington Commanders currently have $82.2 million available according to Over the Cap, but that is based on their $279.5 million cap projection. Washington currently has the third-most cap space in the NFL, based on current numbers.

Washington is coming off their best season since 1991, improving from 4-13 under Ron Rivera, to 12-5 under new GM Adam Peters and HC Dan Quinn. This turnaround started in 2023 when Josh Harris bought the team, and the entire fanbase cheered as former owner Dan Snyder sailed away to Europe. Peters and Quinn overhauled the roster, bringing in a lot of vets on 1-year deals via free agency, before taking former LSU QB Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick.

The Commanders’ season ended with a loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game. That loss is driving Daniels, Peters, Quinn, Harris, and everyone in the organization to improve, and take the next steps towards a championship.

Free agency officially starts on March 12, with the legal tempering window opening two days before that. Washington will need to make decisions on their own large list of pending free agents, and also the players they are trying to add to the team for season two of their roster recalibration.

The Commanders have the 29th pick in the this year’s draft, and seven picks total after several trades. Washington will look to free agency, and possibly more trades, to fill their old and new needs after a surprisingly good season. Adam Peters and crew will then look at the draft to restock the roster with more young, cheap talent.