According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Indianapolis Colts starting safety Nick Cross is signing with the Washington Commanders on a 2-year deal, worth up to $14 million:
Originally a 2022 3rd round pick of the Colts out of Maryland, Cross had become a full-time starter for the Colts over the past two seasons, starting in all 34 games during that same span. Going to the Commanders is a bit of a homecoming for the former DeMatha Catholic high school standout and local Hyattsville, Maryland, native.
This past season, Cross recorded 120 tackles (72 solo), 5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, an interception, 5 passes defensed, and a forced fumble during all 17 starts. Per PFF, Cross was their 69th best qualifying safety with a +59.8 overall grade, including a +72.0 run defense grade.
At his playing peak, Cross was a blistering fast, big-hitter in run support, and a rangy centerfielder in pass coverage, but still only 24-years-old, his play at times with Indianapolis was inconsistent and undisciplined in the backend of their revamped secondary.
Given the length and amount of this contract, it’s a little bit surprising that Indianapolis wasn’t able to retain Cross, but perhaps, home was calling him back above anything else.
The Colts seemed very high on rookie 7th round safety Hunter Wohler last year before he was lost to a season-ending Lisfranc injury during Week 2 of preseason. He could be a candidate as an internal replacement, and perhaps, the Colts could look to deploy fellow 2025 rookie Justin Walley at some safety too situationally in the hopes of getting him more on the field—with Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward, and Kenny Moore II manning the top three cornerback spots.
It’s likely that the Colts will bring in some added safety depth regardless, as it’s a positional room that’s in real need of an overhaul as far as improved backups are concerned too.
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