Commanders Draft Sonny Styles, Ending Bobby Wagner Era

0:00On April 24th, Washington commanders grab Ohio State linebacker Sonny Stiles at the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. They're rebuilding their defense to get younger and quicker, and this move pretty much ends the Bobby Wagner chapter for good. Wagner signed as a big free agent splash in 2024, flipping the team's culture fast. He helped them charge to the NFC Championship in Dan Quinn's first year, and snagged second team all pro nods with his run-stopping grit. But far the time hit hard coverage, became his weak spot, and offense is picked on it. The commanders let his contract expire, sticking with Frankie Louvue, Jordan McGee, and their new free agent, Leo Chanol from Kansas City. Wagner's future stays murky. The 10-time pro-bola insists he's got one solid year left and wants to keep grinding. A playoff team might dial him up for veteran savvy, but not in DC. Style steps in with explosion, smarts, and all around skills to own that middle. Wagner leaves a legacy here, battling age longer than most, paving the way for the next wave.