Commanders training camp defensive and special teams almanac: What to watch for all 47 players
From Frankie Luvu and Odafe Oweh to Nick Cross and the battle for final roster spots, here's what matters most for every defensive player entering Washington's 2026 training camp.
For the record, there was a Nick Bellore blurb.
I wrote it before Monday’s news that Washington’s oldest player was retiring, noting his standout special teams work for the Commanders and others. The 37-year-old shared last season he wanted to keep going, but wouldn’t make any decisions immediately. Now we know. Well earned.
Over in Ashburn, the work continues.
As done previously with the offense, here’s a player-by-player look at every defensive and special teams player on the Commanders’ summer roster and what matters most over the next month.
Defense
0 — Mike Sainristil, CB
His rookie season established the former Michigan captain as more than a slot corner. Sainristil played with instincts, toughness and ball production even when issues elsewhere forced him outside.
His second season brought more uneven moments, particularly inside, though he accounted for half of Washington’s eight interceptions. Nothing changed the organization’s belief in Sainristil’s long-term value.
Let’s see how the 2024 second-round pick cleans up his coverage issues in the slot or moves outside, where he surrenders several inches to many receivers.
2 — Amik Robertson, CB
The Commanders signed the aggressive Robertson to a two-year, $16 million free-agent contract with slot duties in mind. But how much will he play if Washington’s base 3-4 — or even a traditional 4-3 — puts only four defensive backs on the field?
Sure, he can play outside, but the 5-foot-9 Robertson struggled on the perimeter last season in Detroit. Maybe his role becomes clear this summer.
3 — Will Harris, S
Have you heard the one about Washington’s communication in the secondary going kablooey after Harris broke his leg in Week 3? The mishaps were no joke, which helps explain why Harris appears to be the player to beat at free safety.
He isn’t the flashiest option, but the Commanders value his experience, flexibility and capacity to keep everyone coordinated. Last season showed how much those unglamorous traits matter.
4 — Frankie Luvu, LB
Luvu followed his high-energy, sack-filled 2024 season with a bit of a dud. Injuries up front and Washington’s defensive collapse last year forced him to spend more time on the line of scrimmage than ideal.
Returning to his see-ball, get-ball role within coordinator Daronte Jones’s aggressive and shifting defense should turn any frowns upside down. But the additions of Leo Chenal and Sonny Styles make Luvu’s overall usage and future beyond 2026 somewhat uncertain as he enters his contract year.
A strong season would help restore Luvu’s standing as the heartbeat of Washington’s defense — and strengthen his case for another contract.
