What happened: Washington is preparing to deploy Sainristil both in the slot and outside as part of a more multiple defense in 2026. The cornerback enters his third NFL season with a central role in the secondary.
Why it matters: The defense surrendered 6,533 yards and 52 touchdowns last season, leaving substantial room for improvement. Sainristil's versatility could help Washington disguise coverages and create more takeaways.
By the numbers: Sainristil recorded 81 tackles, 12 passes defended, four interceptions and one forced fumble across 17 games in 2025. Opponents averaged 5.8 yards per play against Washington, which finished with a minus-13 turnover margin.
What to watch: Training camp will show how often Washington shifts Sainristil between the slot and the boundary.