Charles Cross Breaks Silence on Seattle Seahawks’ $104M Contract Before Playoffs
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
With the Seattle Seahawks locked into the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs and Super Bowl aspirations building, one of the team’s most important offensive pieces has finally spoken about his massive new deal. Left tackle Charles Cross, fresh off signing a four-year, $104.4 million extension, opened up about what the contract means to him, the team, and his preparation for the postseason.
A Landmark Deal for Seattle’s Offensive Cornerstone
Cross’s extension, worth $104.4 million with $75 million guaranteed, finalized just as the Seahawks were finishing the regular season 14-3 and clinching home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
At 25 years old, Cross now holds one of the richest non-quarterback contracts in Seahawks history, averaging $26.1 million per year and solidifying his status as one of the NFL’s elite left tackles.
Cross’s new deal also displaced his original rookie contract, a four-year deal he signed after being selected No. 9 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, and reflects Seattle’s confidence in him as a foundational offensive lineman. His rookie contract made athletic and financial sense for a top-10 pick, but this extension recognizes his growth and impact in the league.
Here’s what Charles Cross said after the extension
After the extension became public, Cross shared candid reflections on what it meant to lock in his future with the Seahawks before the postseason push.
“It means a lot to me. Ever since I got to Seattle, I’ve created a family bond with my teammates, my coaches, and the entire organization. It just means so much to me. Coming from Laurel, Mississippi, all the way to Seattle, Washington, I’m just blessed for this opportunity,” Cross said following the signing.
“I’m just blessed for this opportunity and grateful for the people here and the people around me,” Cross added and continued, “Just let me be a part of the team for the long haul… The teammates, the coaching staff. I’m just happy to get it done and be a part of this team.”
A Foundation Built From Day One
Cross has been a day-one starter for the Seahawks since arriving in Seattle. According to his career logs, he:
- Started all 17 games in 2022 as a rookie
- Started 14 games in 2023
- Started 17 games again in 2024
His consistency and durability have been major factors in Seattle’s offensive success and stability up front.
Record-Setting Status and Financial Impact
Cross’s new contract isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a franchise record. Moreover, his deal is the highest-paid contract for a non-quarterback in Seahawks history, underlining how valuable he’s become to Seattle’s long-term offensive strategy.
According to contract details:
- $104.4 million total value
- $75 million guaranteed
- $40.5 million paid in Year One
- $26.1 million average annual value
This places Cross among the top-paid offensive tackles in the NFL, a rare achievement less than five seasons into his professional career.
