Charles Cross has handled left tackle duties throughout his three seasons in Seattle. His performance in that role made it little surprise when his fifth-year option was exercised this spring. 
That decision marked the first time the Seahawks picked up the option on a player they drafted. As a result, Cross is set to earn $17.56MM in 2026. That figure is guaranteed, but a long-term deal will cost more given the nature of the tackle market.
It remains to be seen if team and player will enter into negotiations on an extension as early as this offseason. The parties have plenty of time to work out an agreement, but Cross – who attended and took part in OTAs and minicamp – would welcome a long-term pact. Remaining in the Emerald City beyond 2026 is a stated goal of his.
“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but Seattle,” Cross said when asked about his future (via Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic). “I love the fans here. I love the team. One of the greatest organizations in the NFL. I like it here a lot.”
Selected ninth overall in 2022, Cross has started each of his 48 appearances. Having missed only three games to date in his career, the 24-year-old has certainly enjoyed better luck on the health front than right tackle Abraham Lucas. The latter has missed double-digit games each of the past two years, making an extension commitment a difficult one for the Seahawks. Lucas is a pending 2026 free agent, so working out a new deal in his case could be seen as a more urgent matter if Seattle is content to wait until at least next offseason to negotiate with Cross.
The Mississippi State product has shown notable year-over-year improvement in terms of PFF grades. Cross posted an overall mark of 82.5 in 2024, good for ninth amongst qualifying tackles. Another strong outing this year would help his value on a long-term arrangement. A total of 15 offensive tackles (including 12 blindside blockers) are currently attached to a deal averaging $20MM or more per year, and Cross will no doubt look to join that group on his second NFL contract.
It will be interesting to see when serious talks on a long-term pact begin in this case (it should be noted Cross now has an agent for the first time in his career). Regardless, his preference would be a long-term stay in Seattle rather than a foray into free agency following the 2026 campaign.
These teams need to learn sign them now and don’t wait. Prescott is a big example of that. Dallas paid him double what they should have because they waited. Waiting for another QB to be available or a trade or whatever. Cross is going to be here for a long time. Sign him now lock him into a contract good for both team and him.
Truth is Cross is a solid LT, not all pro caliber (at least not yet) you don’t want to be stuck overpaying a B tier guy and Seattle normally is ahead of the curve on stuff like this. If they aren’t paying him, it’s for a reason
He is proving to be one of the best tackles in the NFL. Think how bad he lithe ne would be without him. Ranked 13th in league..proven very durable. Hawks have a winner here…pay the man!