Howard Cross III

Career StatsD+

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		4	—	4	1
2025		4	0.0	4	1

Updated Mar 24, 2026

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

This signing grades out as a bad deal for the Cincinnati Bengals — the team is paying more than the on-field production currently warrants. Howard's on-field performance ranks in the bottom quartile among NFL DTs, grading him as an unproven at the position. His $1.0M average annual value ranks as bargain money for the DT market. The concern here is the gap between production and cost — unproven output at bargain money means the team is paying a premium above the player's on-field value. Howard is squarely in his prime, which adds to the deal's upside — the team should get multiple productive seasons out of this contract.

Performance Analysis

Howard Cross III grades at a D+ based on just four games with the Bengals in 2025, making any definitive evaluation premature. His four tackles and a tackle for loss in that brief window show an interior defensive lineman who can contribute against the run when given snaps. Cincinnati brought him in to add depth to their defensive front, and the limited sample suggests a rotational player who has not yet earned a larger workload. The TFL demonstrates the quickness and penetration ability you want from a defensive tackle, even if the overall numbers are modest. Cross needs more opportunities to show whether he can be a reliable contributor or if he will remain a fringe roster player competing for a spot each training camp.

Fan Sentiment

A low-risk camp body signing with minimal immediate roster impact. Headlines highlight a roster battle, suggesting Cross III is fighting for a fringe spot. The key signal is damning: he was already cut once by Cincinnati mid-season. Fans remember his chaotic fumbled interception, making him a polarizing depth piece. Cross III is a long shot to stick, likely competing for a practice squad role at best.