Lions Could Target Mike Sainristil for Cornerback Depth

The Detroit Lions are weighing options to shore up a thin cornerback group, and Washington Commanders defensive back Mike Sainristil has emerged as a possible trade target ahead of the November 10 deadline. Detroit’s need grew after top corner D.J. Reed hurt his hip against Minnesota on November 1. The extent of Reed’s absence is not specified.

Reed had been playing some of his best football of the season. In each of the previous three games, he received a Pro Football Focus coverage grade of at least 78.9. Against the Vikings, he intercepted a pass and gave up one completion on five targets from quarterback Kyler Murray, earning season highs of 91.3 in coverage and 88.2 overall from the grading service.

Sainristil, 26, could be available for a modest price after a difficult start to the season. His PFF coverage grade is 28.5, the lowest in the league, and his overall grade is 29.4. He also played no defensive snaps in Washington’s game against Philadelphia on November 1, the first time in his career he had been left out of the defensive lineup.

There is a case for taking a low-cost chance on him: Sainristil is young and might regain the form he showed as a rookie, when he recorded two interceptions, nine passes defended and a 64.1 coverage grade. But he would likely serve as a depth option rather than an immediate upgrade, given his struggles this season.

Even if Detroit acquires Sainristil, the move alone may not sufficiently strengthen the secondary. The Lions could still need to pursue a more impactful cornerback before the deadline.