A late bloomer, Nick Cross has been an integral starter for the Indianapolis Colts over the last two seasons. Now, heading into the 2026 season, the popular strong safety has agreed to terms on a two-year, $14 million contract with the Washington Commanders. Cross was initially a third-round pick for the Colts, with whom he spent the entirety of his four-year career.
Nick Cross, Washington Commanders, Agree to Contract
Former Colts safety Nick Cross reached agreement today with the Washington Commanders, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2026
Initially from Maryland, Cross was a third-round pick of the Colts in the 2022 NFL Draft. In his three seasons with the Terps, Cross amassed 135 tackles and six interceptions. As a rookie, Cross suited up for 122 defensive snaps for the Colts, good for just 11% of the team total. In that time, he totaled 17 tackles and one fumble recovery. In year two, his usage jumped a bit to 25% or 292 snaps. That year, his productivity jumped to 39 tackles, one tackle for loss, two pass breakups, and an 18-yard interception in the Week 15 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Then, in 2024, Cross took over as the Colts’ starting strong safety, resulting in his breakout campaign. In 17 starts, Cross amassed 146 total tackles, six tackles for loss, a sack, a quarterback hit, five pass breakups, a forced fumble, and three interceptions. His 146 total tackles were good for the ninth-most in the NFL in 2024. His 87 solo tackles ranked seventh. He ended up playing 1,155 defensive snaps for the Colts, only missing one snap.
Last year, Cross maintained his starting job, logging 96% of the Colts’ defensive snaps. In 17 starts, Cross put up another 120 total tackles, five tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, two-and-a-half sacks, five pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one interception. Those 120 total tackles were tied for 27th in the NFL, and his 73 solo tackles were the 13th best in the league.
Last year, he had the most sacks among strong safeties, and his 908 snaps were the ninth-most in the league among strong safeties.
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