Commanders Expand Nick Cross’s Role Across the Defense

On November 4, 2026, Washington’s use of safety Nick Cross stood out for its variety. Through Week 8, he had the NFL’s broadest alignment mix among defenders, with his snaps distributed at near-equal rates across free safety, box and slot assignments. His slot rate had more than doubled from his final season with Indianapolis, while his share of box snaps had fallen from nearly half to about a third.

Cross’s varied assignments let defensive coordinator Daronte Jones move a 212-pound defender closer to the line to help against the run or blitz, then use him deeper without substituting. After Washington’s 27-10 win over Philadelphia, coach Dan Quinn praised Cross’s work near the line, including a third-down run stop, and said his communication had improved. Cross recorded his top run-defense and tackling grades of the season against the Eagles: 84.9 and 85.0. He made four defensive stops and missed no tackles.

Cross played 25 of his 69 defensive snaps in the slot against Philadelphia. His versatility could give Washington another nickel option; Mike Sainristil did not play a defensive snap in that game. But Cross’s coverage remains a question: across four appearances, he has been charged with 10 completions on 11 targets for 69 yards and a touchdown, with a 56.2 coverage grade. The Rams are next, and Cross’s performance over the rest of the season could affect Sainristil’s role and Washington’s offseason priorities in the secondary.