Few safeties have had as consistent of a role in run defense in recent seasons as Cross, and that's helped him become one of the more reliable tackle producers among defensive backs. In 2025, he logged a career-high 551 snaps inside the box and correspondingly led the position in tackles for loss against the run. Given his strength in the role, it's unlikely that usage will change even after Cross departed the Colts to sign a two-year, $13 million contract with the Commanders this offseason. While his presence will certainly help turn around one of the league's worst defenses, his role and fit in the unit is worth monitoring as Cross is set to pair at safety with Quan Martin. Martin plays as more of a traditional safety, but he also isn't all that strong in coverage, meaning there could be a lot of explosive plays in D.C. once again in 2026.