The Seattle Seahawks are riding a wave of momentum as they head into the NFL playoffs after securing the NFC West title. Following victories against the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, they are not only the top seed in the NFC but also enjoying a crucial week off. This break is expected to aid in the recovery of key players, including left tackle Charles Cross, who just clinched a landmark contract extension.
Seahawks Secure Charles Cross with Landmark Deal
The Seattle Seahawks have made headlines with the announcement of a four-year, $104.4 million contract extension for left tackle Charles Cross. This deal, which boasts $75 million in guaranteed money, marks the largest contract for a non-quarterback in the history of the franchise. The only larger contract belongs to Russell Wilson, who in 2019 signed a four-year extension worth $140 million.
According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Cross is set to earn $40.5 million in the first year of his new contract and $26.1 million in the second year. The Seahawks selected him with the ninth overall pick in the 2022 draft, and he has since started 62 out of 68 games. Although he missed the final three games of the regular season due to a hamstring injury, the team is optimistic about his return in time for their first playoff match.
Breakdown of Cross’s Performance and Future
Cross still has one year remaining on his rookie contract, bringing his total earnings over the next five years to approximately $121.96 million. His average annual salary of $26.1 million from the extension positions him as the third-highest-paid left tackle in the NFL.
Since joining the league, Cross has demonstrated remarkable consistency on the field, playing 100% of the snaps in two of his four seasons. While this year he had a “down” year with 96% of snaps played, he has committed just 22 penalties across four seasons, averaging about one penalty every three games. Most notably, he has effectively protected quarterback Sam Darnold, contributing to the Seahawks allowing only 27 sacks throughout the season, tying them for fifth-best in the league.
Now that Cross has secured his financial future, his focus shifts toward achieving the ultimate goal: a Super Bowl title. With their current form, the Seahawks are well-positioned to make a strong playoff run.
John is a seasoned journalist at The Bothside News, specializing in balanced reporting across news, sports, business, and lifestyle. He believes in presenting multiple perspectives to help readers form informed opinions. His work embodies the publication’s philosophy that truth emerges from examining all sides of every story.
