The Washington Commanders needed to do something drastic on defense. The effort and overall quality were completely unacceptable, even at full strength last season. This had to change, and general manager Adam Peters attacked this need with the urgency it deserved when the legal tampering window opened.
Two new edge rushers, an ascending linebacker, and a versatile cornerback came on board within the legal tampering window. Peters also managed to get his hands on an intriguing safety in the form of Nick Cross, who has reportedly signed a two-year, $14 million deal.
Cross has the traits that Washington is clearly looking for. He's young, fast, energetic, and physical. And at 24, this fits into the mold of free agents coming off their rookie contracts with everything in front of them.
Colts expert reveals what the Commanders are going to get from Nick Cross
There are a lot of positives. Even so, an Indianapolis Colts expert highlighted the potential issues that come along with them.
Lee Vowell of Horseshoe Heroes revealed Cross's lack of size for a true safety and his lapses in coverage as stumbling blocks he must rectify in a different environment. However, the analyst also said there is a lot to like about his work closer to the line of scrimmage, especially where blitzes are concerned.
"Nick Cross has the skill set to be a great linebacker, but the issue is that he is too small and is a pure safety. His coverage skills are lacking (he has allowed 10 touchdown passes over the last two seasons; his first two as a full-time starter), and his quarterback rating allowed has been north of 105 in each year. If a team is looking for a safety to be stout against the run and exceedingly good when blitzing, Cross is the guy."
The last part is crucial. And it sure sounds like someone whom the Commanders let walk this time last year.
While Cross doesn't have the same physical profile as Jeremy Chinn, their on-field strengths are eerily similar. They both get around the football. They both look to set the tone and leave everything on the field with instinctive aggression. These attributes will be put to extremely good use by Jones, who is expected to bring creativity and violence that this group hasn't legitimately possessed for years.
Vowell offered a window into how the Commanders could maximize Cross's skill set. The size factor may not be an issue if he's deployed correctly, and his linebacker build could go well with the interchangeable pieces Jones wants.
Fans wanted more athleticism and youth. It didn't take long for them to get it.