Colts Must Not Forget About Nick Cross

In his first season under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Cross tallied 120 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble. According to Pro Football Focus, Cross ranked first among all strong safeties with 97 solo tackles and second among all strong safeties with 16 pressures.

At the same time, PFF credits Cross with 50 receptions allowed, the fourth most among all strong safeties. The young star still has a lot to learn, but he could be in line for a hefty contract. ESPN's Aaron Schatz made a big prediction for each team, and for the Colts, he predicted that Cross would receive a big contract.

"The Colts will give a big extension to 25-year-old safety Nick Cross," Schatz wrote. "He did well in my coverage DVOA metric and was involved in 14.0% of Colts defensive plays, fourth among safeties in 2025. His average run tackle came after a gain of just 4.3 yards (ranked third among safeties with at least 20 run tackles)."

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In the NFL, safety is a position you can get for cheap. The highest-paid safety in the league is Kyle Hamilton, who is making $25 million a year. Cross' teammate, Cam Bynum, makes $15 million annually.

If the Colts want to use the franchise tag on Cross, they could, but it's an unrealistic price. That would cost around $20 million, but it would ensure that Cross stays another season.

Realistically, he could sign a deal similar to Bynum's, maybe a bit cheaper. That would put him within the top 15 highest-paid safeties, a fair price tag for a player who hasn't become a superstar just yet.

The Colts' main priorities will be to bring back Jones and Pierce. Their contracts will cost more, but once they get that sorted out, they can focus on Cross with the remaining money.

Chris Ballard loves to bring back guys he's drafted, though it's only been a year since the team moved on from Julian Blackmon, who was also a third-round pick. If Indy doesn't bring back cross, they'll need help at safety elsewhere in free agency or in the draft.

We'll see if the Colts get a deal done before free agency opens on March 9.