The Washington Commanders have brought in so many new faces that some of them may not be getting their proper due, like safety Nick Cross. However, it seems as though the importance of his arrival is finally being recognized.
Cross comes in at No. 27 on Sports Illustrated's (SI) ranking of the top-50 2026 NFL free agency moves. The order "[factors] in the player's quality, the team's need at the position and the value of the deal." So, given the criteria established and his placement on this list, he's proving to be a major bargain for the Commanders before even suiting up.
Perhaps folks needed some time to digest the slew of league-wide transactions. Nevertheless, Cross, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts, evidently checks multiple boxes in Washington, as SI highlighted:
"The Commanders plugged a hole in their defense with the signing of Cross, who is only 24. It was important for the Commanders to get younger and better on defense this offseason, and Cross matches that criteria."
Commanders' Nick Cross signing is already aging nicely in 2026 NFL free agency rankings
Washington added Cross in March on a two-year contract "worth up to" $14 million with just over $6 million guaranteed. His average annual value doesn't sniff the 20 highest-paid guys at his position. Yet, he's arguably been more productive than almost all of the names above him in salary and satisfies several needs for the Commanders.
A Commanders squad that boasted the oldest roster in football and allowed the third-most rushing yards per game (141.8) last season ostensibly recognizes its flaws. Cross provides the injection of youth and effort around the line of scrimmage that they sorely lacked.
Since 2024, Cross sits at third and 11th in solo (159) and total tackles (266), respectively. He's thrived as a run-stopping box defender with the athleticism, speed and explosiveness to wrap up in space. There are valid concerns about the 2022 third-round pick in coverage, though his combination of versatility and age/untapped potential makes him appealing.
If Cross' time with the Colts is any indication, his ability to get to the quarterback from the secondary is another valuable asset. He posted 12 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks across four campaigns with Indy despite handling a rotational/special teams role for his first two seasons. Moreover, the Bowie, Maryland native posted a solid 69.0 Pro Football Focus pass-rushing grade in 2025, good for 31st among 98 qualified safeties.