One Commanders' free-agent signing named a 'bust' ahead of 2026 season

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The Washington Commanders completely rebuilt the defense this offseason. They needed to after last season's embarrassing performance. While not all metrics ranked the Commanders dead last, anyone who watched Washington's defense last season could tell you that an overhaul was needed.

The changes began in January with the firing of defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. After an exhaustive interview process, head coach Dan Quinn chose Minnesota Vikings secondary coach Daronte Jones to lead his defense. Quinn was giving Jones complete autonomy to run his style of defense, which could look a lot like what Brian Flores ran the past three seasons in Minnesota.

Next, GM Adam Peters went to work on the personnel. Upgrading the edge rusher position and linebacker were priorities for the Commanders. In free agency, Washington signed edge rushers Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu. The Commanders also signed linebacker Leo Chenal in free agency and used their first-round pick on Sonny Styles.

The front seven should look much better in 2026.

What about the secondary? In free agency, Washington's two biggest moves for the secondary were signing cornerback Amik Robertson and safety Nick Cross. Both should start. Expectations are particularly high for Cross, the 6-foot-0, 212-pound DMV native, who played at the University of Maryland. Cross is only 24 and started every game for the Colts the last two seasons.

Cross should thrive in Jones' scheme. However, not everyone believes Cross will be a great fit for the Commanders. Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently named one bust for each of the 32 teams ahead of the 2026 season. He named Cross for Washington.

Nick Cross is a proven starter who's versatile but has glaring limitations. In four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, he lined up in both safety spots and in the slot. The 2022 third-rounder started in every game over the last two campaigns.

With more playing time, Cross' lapses in coverage became apparent. Since 2024, he's given up nine touchdowns while allowing passer ratings above 99 in back-to-back terms.

The Washington Commanders needed a reliable coverage defender at safety in center field alongside Will Harris, who's allowed passer ratings above 105 in five out of seven seasons. On a new two-year, $13 million deal, Cross won't fill that role adequately.

Moton makes a point about Washington's safety position and how Cross graded in pass coverage. However, the Commanders probably would not sign Cross if they didn't have a plan for him. Cross thrives near the line of scrimmage. As a longtime defensive backs coach, Jones will play these players to their strengths. It's not a guarantee that Harris starts opposite Cross either. He'll need to earn it this summer.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: One Commanders' free-agent signing named a 'bust' ahead of 2026 season

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