Tyler’s take: Washington Commanders should stand behind CB Mike Sainristil

Mike Sainristil’s rookie season in 2024 was a year to remember. The next one, in 2025, was a year to forget. How quickly the tides can turn for a player, but such is life in the NFL.

And with that I give you a key discussion point heading into the 2026 campaign — the curious case of Mike Sainristil . A few days ago, our very own Scott Bair wrote this article making the case that Adam Peters should sign veteran journeyman cornerback Rasul Douglas to come in and “compete” with Sainristil for a position opposite second year corner Trey Amos. The argument was made that the Commanders need both depth and competition and that signing the soon-to-be 31-year-old veteran could help “fortify” the position.

I was a bit vocal in my response to that article, being very against bringing in yet another older, less-athletic veteran that could stunt the growth our one of our younger players. First, let’s address the Douglas situation: Rasul Douglas The former No. 99 overall pick from the 2017 NFL draft has bounced around the league since being waived by the Eagles in the summer of 2020.

He was a backup with Philly during his first three years in the league and, despite his good size and length, he just didn’t possess the athleticism needed to flourish as a starter. After failing to play out his rookie deal in Philadelphia, Douglas was claimed by the Panthers. He went on to start 11 games that year for Matt Rhule’s 5-11 squad.