There is an enormous amount of optimism around free-agent signing Nick Cross, who promises to bring a tone-setting presence to the back end of Daronte Jones' defense that was sorely lacking previously. And with the money involved, this has the scope to be a total steal for the Washington Commanders.
However, that is not an opinion shared by everyone.
Cross has many intriguing traits that seem tailor-made for Jones' system. He is a forceful difference-maker against the run, boasting physicality, instinctiveness, and sound positional sense that enable him to react quickly. There are some coverage deficiencies, but the Commanders have other safeties to take on these responsibilities, allowing him to focus on what he does best.
Nick Cross has doubters to silence, but he was exactly what the Commanders needed
Moe Moton of The Bleacher Report did not agree. He named Cross as Washington's biggest bust candidate before the 20026 season, claiming that he was not what the Commanders needed to go alongside Will Harris.
"Nick Cross is a proven starter who's versatile but has glaring limitations. The Washington Commanders needed a reliable coverage defender at safety in center field alongside Will Harris, who's allowed passer ratings above 105 in five out of seven seasons. On a new two-year, $13 million deal, Cross won't fill that role adequately."
While Cross' inconsistencies against the pass are concerning, he is precisely what the Commanders were seeking to revamp their safety unit.
Letting Jeremy Chinn walk in free agency last year had an adverse impact on the defense. It lost a dynamic, instinctive figure capable of helping closer to the line of scrimmage, and nobody was able to fill the void effectively. Cross changed that in an instant, and having a more dominant front seven should hopefully make things easier for the entire secondary along the way.
Every signing comes with question marks. There are no sure-fire things in the NFL, but the decision to acquire Cross was a risk well worth taking. And at only 24, the former Maryland thumper has his best years ahead.
He won't be able to do it alone, but the Commanders look in pretty good shape.
They have four capable cornerbacks after signing Rasul Douglas. The likes of Will Harris, Quan Martin, Jeremy Reaves, and maybe even Tyler Owens should all benefit greatly from Jones' presence. Cross will make everything tick, and he's got the tools to deliver.
The Commanders are an easy target right now. They are coming off a five-win campaign after nothing much went right, but writing them off completely is foolish. The talent is there to improve, and from a defensive standpoint, Cross will be at the forefront.
And if this scenario becomes reality, nobody will be talking about a bust. Instead, he'll be among the offseason's biggest bargains.
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