The Commanders officially added nine undrafted free agents to their roster yesterday. Their list of rookies on the books now includes the team’s top selection.
Linebacker Sonny Styles signed his rookie deal on Friday, per a team announcement. He will collect $37.2MM fully guaranteed over the next four years. That includes a $23.9MM signing bonus. Washington could keep Styles under team control through 2030 via the fifth-year option.
The Commanders entered last month’s draft in need of defensive upgrades, so it came as little surprise when they took Styles off the board seventh overall. The Ohio State standout was widely regarded as one of the top players in the class, although like others in that respect he was the subject of questions regarding his positional value. Washington did not expect Styles to still be available at No. 7, but he will be counted on to operate as an impactful presence at the second level early and often in his career.
A converted safety, Styles thrived when playing at linebacker with the Buckeyes. He racked up 182 tackles, seven sacks and 17 tackles for loss across the 2024 and ’25 seasons, and high-end production at the NFL level would go a long way in bringing about defensive improvements for Washington. The team added Leo Chenal during free agency on a three-year deal, and he and Styles will be expected to work as a tandem in the nation’s capital now and in the future.
The Commanders ranked 30th against the run in 2025; Styles could help them improve in that regard while also contributing as a pass rush presence when used as a blitzer. Washington’s rookie minicamp will take place this weekend, giving the team its first look at Styles and marking the beginning of his acclimation to the team’s new-look defense.