The Washington Commanders' defense has been uprooted this offseason, with new starters at both outside linebacker positions, the defensive line, nickel corner, and strong safety. In Daronte Jones' new expected 3-4 scheme, the first-time NFL coordinator's unit will hope to improve upon its disastrous 2025 season under Joe Whitt Jr.
The defensive backfield will play an integral role in that. Last season, Washington gave up the fifth-most passing yards in the NFL and only recorded eight interceptions. It will fall on a young duo of cornerbacks to rise to the challenge.
Third-year pro Mike Sainristil is already feeling the pressure after a rollercoaster sophomore campaign. But it's his running mate, Trey Amos, who has everything to prove.
Commanders cornerback Trey Amos needs to take the next step after promising rookie flashes
Amos was a second-round pick in 2025. Throughout the offseason leading up to his rookie year, the drum was beating for him as one of the steals of the draft. Then, the season arrived, and while he showed some impressive flashes, the cornerback didn't quite come storming onto the scene the way many hoped he would.
The Ole Miss product recorded six pass breakups in 2025, but no interceptions in 10 games before a broken leg against the Detroit Lions ended his season. He's now ready to hit the reset button for Year 2, in a new system that should greatly benefit him.
There is no doubt Amos has Pro Bowl-level upside in the right situation and will be considered Washington's top cornerback following the release of veteran Marshon Lattimore. He'll likely draw some of the toughest assignments on a weekly basis, potentially including CeeDee Lamb and Malik Nabers twice, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Puka Nacua, Ja'Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson.
A sink-or-swim scenario in no uncertain terms.
It will be a tall task, but the only way to make a name for yourself at the highest level is to go toe-to-toe with the best. Amos has given fans a hopeful idea of the player he can be, and now he will need to make that idea a reality.
The Commanders organization believes in its young defender, and fans should too. His development will go a long way toward determining the future of Washington's secondary, and this will be the year we find out what Amos is capable of. If he is injured again or underperforms, there will be no excuses.
But if Amos emerges into a bona fide stud at his position, it shouldn't come as a surprise to anybody who has been following his journey since the start.
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