The Washington Commanders have officially secured the services of their highly-touted first-round draft pick, Sonny Styles, by finalizing his four-year rookie contract. This pivotal agreement, announced on Friday, marks a significant step for the franchise in bolstering its roster with top-tier talent from the 2026 NFL Draft.
Styles, who was selected as the seventh overall pick, is set to receive a substantial financial package totaling $37.2 million in fully guaranteed money. This includes an impressive $23.5 million signing bonus, underscoring the team's confidence in his potential. The contract also features a standard fifth-year team option, providing the Commanders with long-term flexibility regarding their investment. Alongside Styles, the team also completed signings for the remainder of their 2026 draft class, including wide receiver Antonio Williams, defensive end Joshua Josephs, running back Kaytron Allen, center Matt Gulbin, and quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, further strengthening various positions across the squad.
A standout player during his collegiate career at Ohio State, Styles transitioned from safety to linebacker, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. In his final season, he earned first-team All-American honors, recording 82 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss over 14 games. Throughout his 53-game tenure with the Buckeyes, Styles accumulated an impressive 244 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery, demonstrating his consistent impact on the field and his readiness to contribute at the professional level.
The successful signing of Sonny Styles and the rest of their draft class represents a forward-thinking strategy by the Commanders to cultivate a formidable team. These new additions bring youthful energy, skill, and a commitment to excellence, laying a strong foundation for future success and inspiring fans with the promise of a bright competitive future.
