Washington Commanders
· 2026-07-14
The Washington Commanders have a new name on their 2026 bust watchlist.
Nick Cross enters his first season in Washington after signing a two-year, $13 million free-agent deal this past spring. The safety arrives from Indianapolis, where his coverage lapses became a growing concern. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton tabbed Cross as the Commanders’ biggest bust candidate for 2026, citing his struggles in pass defense.
Since 2024, Cross has given up nine touchdowns and allowed passer ratings above 99 in back-to-back terms. The Commanders needed a reliable deep safety to pair with Will Harris, who’s allowed passer ratings above 105 in five of his last seven seasons. Moton argued Cross won’t fill that role on a new two-year, $13 million deal.
Cross turns 24 this month and was born in Bowie, Maryland. He’s openly excited to play for the team he rooted for growing up. That hometown pull could push him to prove Moton wrong.
Cross insists he’s ready to silence doubters. “There’s nothing on the field I can’t do,” he said back in May, via Hogs Haven. “I stop the run. People ask about coverage… I tell them I take the ball away, too. I had four picks in the last two years, two forced fumbles, so the ball comes back to our sideline when I’m on the field.”
He also stressed leadership and locker-room impact. “They’re getting a versatile safety, someone who can do it all,” Cross added. “Someone who can be great in the locker room, a great leader and a great teammate.”
The Commanders sit 14th in the National Football Conference with a 5-12 record and on a three-game losing streak. Their next game is a road trip against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 13, 2026.
Cross will need to tighten his coverage fast if he wants to avoid becoming the bust Moton predicts.