Washington Commanders
· 2026-07-01
The Washington Commanders signed free agent safety Nick Cross to a 2-year $13 million contract.
This move is expected to improve their defense after a disappointing 5-12 season in 2025.
The Commanders fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. after the 2025 season and have since made several signings to address their underperforming defense.
They also selected linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 pick in the draft.
The team's defense ranked 30th in EPA per play last season.
Nick Cross started all 17 games for the Indianapolis Colts in each of the last two seasons.
He had over 130 tackles each year, including 4 interceptions, 10 pass deflections, 11 TFL, and 2 forced fumbles.
Cross's speed and agility will be valuable assets to the Commanders' defense.
The Washington Commanders will face the Philadelphia Eagles on September 13, with a potentially new-look defense.
The team is currently 13th in the National Football Conference with a 6-11 record, on a L1 streak.
The Commanders' secondary was inconsistent last year and missed too many tackles.
Cross provides the team with another key piece for the defense, with his speed and youth.
He is fast, running the 40-yard dash in 4.34 seconds, and young, at just 24 years old.
The Commanders will be looking to turn their season around in 2026, with the help of Cross and other new signings.