Charles Cross

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

This $26.1M AAV extension for Charles Cross represents a significant overpay that earns an F CVI, as the Seahawks have drastically overshot the market for a tackle who hasn't yet proven himself as an elite blindside protector. While Cross showed promise as a rookie and has the athletic profile to develop into a franchise cornerstone, paying him top-5 tackle money before he's demonstrated consistent All-Pro level play is a dangerous gamble. At just 23 years old, there's certainly upside in his developmental curve, but the Seahawks are essentially betting $104.4M that Cross will grow into this massive contract rather than paying him based on current production. The $43.1M in guaranteed money provides some cushion if he flames out early, but this deal still carries substantial risk given the premium they're paying for potential rather than proven performance. Seattle appears to have panicked about losing their young tackle and paid a significant premium to lock him up, creating salary cap constraints that could hamstring their ability to build around their core. This contract will look brilliant if Cross develops into a perennial Pro Bowler, but right now it represents poor value allocation for a team that needed to be more strategic with their limited resources.

Performance Analysis

Charles Cross earns an F for the Seahawks at offensive tackle, the lowest possible grade for a former first-round pick who has been completely unavailable. Cross's career has been devastated by injury, and he has not been able to get on the field at all. Seattle invested premium draft capital expecting a franchise left tackle, and the return has been zero production. The Seahawks offensive line has needed every bit of help it can get, and Cross's absence has been deeply felt. This is a situation where health has completely derailed a career before it even got going.

Current Sentiment

Charles Cross carries a solid but unspectacular reputation as Seattle's left tackle, earning a B grade from the Contract Value Index (CVI) that reflects his steady but not elite standing among NFL offensive linemen. At $26+ million annually, Cross commands franchise tackle money despite generating relatively quiet media coverage, suggesting he's viewed as a dependable starter who hasn't yet reached the All-Pro tier his contract suggests. The lack of widespread national recognition speaks to a player who performs his job competently without the dominant, highlight-reel performances that elevate tackles into the upper echelon of public consciousness. While Seattle fans remain supportive given his draft pedigree and positional importance, the broader NFL media hasn't embraced Cross as a top-tier tackle within his peer group. His reputation sits in that challenging middle ground where substantial investment meets solid-but-not-spectacular production, creating expectations for the breakthrough consistency that would justify his significant contract and elevate his standing among the league's premier pass protectors.