Charles Cross

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Charles Cross's $26.1M deal lands at a C+ Contract Value Index, signaling a measured outcome for Seattle. The disconnect is real: Cross carries a B performance grade that reflects solid, NFL-caliber left tackle play, yet the CVI verdict reflects the brutal math of paying $26.1M annually for a fourth-year player who has not yet produced the elite, All-Pro caliber performances that justify top-tier offensive line money in today's market. Through 14 games in 2025, Cross logged meaningful snaps without generating the dominant tape or national recognition typically associated with franchise-cornerstone tackles commanding that salary tier. At 25 and entering his fourth season on a rookie deal, Cross occupies an uncomfortable position: the Seahawks' organizational commitment is clear, the fan base in Seattle respects his draft pedigree and positional importance, but the broader NFL media has remained quiet, a silence that speaks volumes about the gap between investment and breakthrough impact. The C+ CVI reflects the reality that while Cross is a legitimate franchise anchor on a four-year commitment, he must now validate that substantial investment with marked improvements in consistency and dominant performances—the kind that turn quiet, well-regarded tackles into nationally celebrated ones. For Seattle, this is a bet on trajectory and potential in a fourth-year window where the margin for further underperformance has tightened considerably.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where Charles's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Charles Cross has quietly become one of the more reliable young left tackles in the NFC, entering his fourth season with 60 career starts and legitimate Pro Bowl upside. The 2022 first-round pick out of Mississippi State carries a solid B grade, reflecting consistent above-average play without yet reaching the elite tier. He remains a cornerstone piece of Seattle's offensive line rebuild under head coach Mike Macdonald. Cross's availability stands out as a genuine strength — his 95.2 snap percentage towers over the NFL average of 72.0, signaling durability and trust from the coaching staff. That kind of dependability is rare for a player still in his mid-twenties and speaks to his professional approach. The developmental concern remains his pass-protection refinement against elite edge rushers, where consistency against top-tier speed-to-power converters still separates him from the true franchise cornerstones. Cross has the athleticism and football IQ to push into B+ or A- territory within the next two seasons if he sharpens his anchor technique and hand placement. Seattle's offensive identity increasingly runs through his ability to protect Geno Smith — or whoever lines up under center going forward. Watch for whether Cross takes the next step in 2025 as a potential All-Pro candidate.

How Charles Compares at the Position

Charles Cross ranks 24th of 189 graded offensive tackles by performance. That slots Charles between Taliese Fuaga (B) just ahead and Morgan Moses (B) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Charles Cross has solidified his standing as Seattle's franchise left tackle through a significant four-year, $104.4M extension that signals the Seahawks' long-term commitment to protecting their quarterback. Media coverage surrounding the deal has been decidedly positive, with Cross expressing genuine enthusiasm about remaining in Seattle and returning to practice, which resonates well with fan sentiment and organizational stability narratives. While Cross has not yet achieved Pro Bowl or All-Pro recognition despite four years as a starter, the contract extension and recent headlines suggest he is viewed as a reliable, foundational piece rather than a question mark at the position. Fan and media perception appears to have shifted from evaluative scrutiny to acceptance of his role as a dependable starter, with minimal criticism in the current news cycle. Heading into 2026, Cross enters the season with solid institutional support and neutral-to-positive fan regard, though he remains in the conversation as a performer who must continue proving his worth at the premium salary now attached to his name.