Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
Adam Peters had to maximize his Day 2 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. This could have laid the table for a strong future with cap-friendly difference-makers. Unfortunately, they haven't met expectations.
Mike Sainristil is among those free-falling into irrelevancy. The cornerback was projected for big things, especially after a decent rookie campaign. Things didn't progress enough last season, and the Michigan product has gone firmly to the fringes after a woeful start to 2026.
With Trey Amos now healthy, the chances of Sainristil making an impact on the defensive rotation have vanished. The Commanders may use him more at safety, but a fresh start might be the best possible solution for all parties.
The Commanders wouldn't get much for Sainristil, but he did have a lot of fans before the draft. Perhaps one of them would be willing to throw a late-round pick at Washington to see if he can be salvaged.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. - Commanders OLB
Dorance Armstrong Jr. has returned from a lengthy absence and stayed healthy so far. He's played 48 percent of the team's defensive snaps in five games, but has yet to record a sack. Some of his explosiveness also seems to have deserted him.
The Commanders are bringing him along gradually. Armstrong was in the middle of a genuine breakout in 2025 before tearing his ACL, though he's still got potential. But he is also in a contract year, which brings the business side of things into the picture.
There is no telling whether Armstrong can do enough to justify another financial commitment, or whether the Commanders want to pay what his representatives could ask for. Much like the situation with K'Lavon Chaisson, everything is in flux, so trading one of the edge rushers is certainly feasible if things don't start trending up.
Armstrong's injury history might make finding a suitor difficult, but it's not impossible.
Stefon Diggs - Commanders WR
Before we start this one, it wouldn't be a smart move. Terry McLaurin is out for the year with a torn patellar tendon, and he may have even played his final game in Washington. That means Jayden Daniels needs all the help he can get.
Diggs instantly becomes the Commanders' most dependable and accomplished receiver. He's a four-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro who still knows how to get open. While he may not have the same dynamism these days, offensive coordinator David Blough will lean on him heavily the rest of the way.
That makes trading Diggs inconceivable. But if they cannot build momentum before the bye, contending teams won't hesitate to check in to see what it might cost.
The Maryland product wanted a homecoming this offseason. Diggs also wants to win, and if the Commanders can't offer him that, he might welcome a switch elsewhere in this scenario.
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