The Seahawks' blindside protector since day one, Charles Cross just became the highest-paid non-quarterback in franchise history.
Charles Cross has manned Seattle's left tackle spot from the moment he stepped off the Mississippi State campus, anchoring an offensive line that has steadily improved around Sam Darnold and the Seahawks' passing attack. After another full season at left tackle in 2025, Seattle rewarded him with a record-setting extension just before the playoffs.
Path to the league
Cross started at left tackle for two seasons at Mississippi State in Mike Leach's Air Raid offense, winning the Kent Hull Trophy in 2021 as the state's top lineman. The Seahawks made him the ninth overall pick in the 2022 draft, their first top-10 selection since Russell Okung in 2010.
Career highlights
Cross has started every game he has played at left tackle since entering the league, quickly becoming one of the more durable young tackles in the NFL. He has developed into a cornerstone of Seattle's offensive line rebuild, helping protect the quarterback position through multiple starter changes.
2025 season recap
Cross started all 17 games he played at left tackle during Seattle's Super Bowl LX-winning season, missing the final three regular-season games with a hamstring injury. He anchored an offensive line that allowed just 27 sacks, tied for fifth-fewest in the NFL, and signed a four-year, $104.4 million extension just before the playoffs began.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Charles Cross (American football)
- Seahawks.com: Charles Cross bio
- CBS Sports: Seahawks tackle Charles Cross signs history-making contract extension
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Offensive Tackle
- Group
- offense
- College
- Mississippi State
- Hometown
- Laurel, MS, USA
- Age
- 25
- Status
- active
