Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Charles Cross has agreed to a four-year, $104.4 million contract extension, the largest in team history for a non-quarterback. The deal comes after a strong season and just before the playoffs, where Cross hopes to return from injury. At 25, Cross has been a mainstay on the offensive line since being drafted in 2022.
Charles Cross, the Seattle Seahawks' left tackle, has secured a significant four-year extension worth $104.4 million, marking the richest deal ever for a non-quarterback in franchise history. The team opted to lock in the 25-year-old now, following the exercise of his fifth-year option earlier this offseason, rather than waiting until free agency.
Selected ninth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, Cross has demonstrated reliability, starting all 62 of his regular-season games with Seattle. As a rookie, he played every snap in 17 games, repeating the feat in 2023. This season, he anchored the line for the first 14 contests before a hamstring injury sidelined him for the final three.
Despite the setback, optimism surrounds his return. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald noted, "We're optimistic for next week or the week after for Charles." He added, "These guys have done a great job of getting back and working, but obviously Charles isn't going to make it this week."
Cross's contributions have bolstered a potent Seahawks offense that tallied 483 points this year. He provided crucial protection for quarterback Sam Darnold, who earned his second straight Pro Bowl selection. Cross's blocking aided wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba in leading the NFL in receptions and receiving yards, while running back Kenneth Walker III surpassed 1,000 rushing yards. Backup Zach Charbonnet rushed for 12 touchdowns, the most by a Seahawk since Marshawn Lynch in 2024.
With a 14-3 record, Seattle clinched the NFC's top playoff seed and awaits a divisional-round matchup, where Cross could rejoin the lineup.
