Story perspectives

Commanders Draft Three, Trade Picks for Tunsil Extension

5/2/2026

Summary

Commanders Draft Success

Washington Commanders selected linebacker Sonny Styles (No. 7), wide receiver Antonio Williams (No. 71) and edge rusher Joshua Josephs (No. 147) in the 2026 draft.
General Manager Adam Peters entered the draft without second- and fourth-round picks after trading them for Laremy Tunsil, who signed an extension through 2028.
Mel Kiper gave Washington a B draft grade while Rob Rang assigned a C.
Analysts Sikkema and Rogers said Washington maximized its limited capital with the three picks.

Summary

Teams Fill Gaps

Several quality free agents remain unsigned, including Jauan Jennings, Joey Bosa and David Njoku, who could fill gaps.
Jacksonville must allocate $11.251 million for its 2026 rookie class, but only $2.401 million counts as effective cap space.
Bills rookie tackle Jude Bowry allowed no sacks in 307 snaps and can play guard.
Pittsburgh favors interior linemen for cap savings while Chicago adds Gallimore and rookie van den Berg after Edmunds release.

History

Historical Context

When the NFL and its Players Association introduced a league-wide salary cap in 1994—set at $33.8 million per team—the draft’s seven-round, 32-team format gave clubs a new way to manage payroll by trading picks, a move already allowed under league rules. The cap’s arrival gave clubs a financial reason to use those trades, a practice that continues today.

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Commanders Draft Success

Washington Commanders selected linebacker Sonny Styles (No. 7), wide receiver Antonio Williams (No. 71) and edge rusher Joshua Josephs (No. 147) in the 2026 draft.
General Manager Adam Peters entered the draft without second- and fourth-round picks after trading them for Laremy Tunsil, who signed an extension through 2028.
Mel Kiper gave Washington a B draft grade while Rob Rang assigned a C.
Analysts Sikkema and Rogers said Washington maximized its limited capital with the three picks.

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