Belief Alive That Colts Get Nick Cross New Deal

Cross' 2024 saw him break out following two underwhelming campaigns in 2022 and 2023. Cross put up 146 tackles, six tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, three picks, and five pass breakups.

Cross continued the momentum from last year by playing all 17 games and logging 120 more tackles, five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, an interception of Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert, and five more pass breakups.

The former Maryland Terrapin played well enough this year to warrant consideration from Indianapolis to get him a new deal. Given that he's only 24 years old and has already played 67 games (38 starts), he might just be scratching the surface.

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While Cross has erupted in production since 2023, there is one glaring area where he's struggled more than any: pass coverage.

Per Pro Football Focus, Cross posted an underwhelming coverage grade of 50.2. This ranks 78th out of 98 eligible safeties in the NFL throughout the 2025 season.

However, where he excels the most is against opposing ground games. In that metric, he finished with a grade of 71.2, ranking 48th for all safeties.

If Cross were to get a new deal, it might not be the 'big' magnitude Schatz mentions. However, it could resemble what the Colts offered to Bynum during the 2025 offseason.

Bynum received a four-year, $60 million contract to join the Indianapolis team and paid the Colts back with 81 tackles, eight pass breakups, and a team-best four interceptions.

For me personally, I'd predict the same number of years (four), but less than what Bynum received - let's say $48-$56 million with around $20 million guaranteed (Bynum - $30 million guaranteed).

Having a safety duo like Bynum and Cross is an excellent addition to any defense. Cross has his setbacks, but overall, likely still has room to elevate his play since he's still so young.

We'll see what general manager Chris Ballard does with Cross, but it wouldn't surprise me if he's kept in the ranks of Indianapolis' roster.

To have such a young defender with so much experience in the league is uncanny, and it would benefit Indy to retain his services to keep the excellent duo of Bynum and Cross intact.