Which free agent will the Washington Commanders agree to terms with first when the NFL’s legal negotiating period opens on Monday? It would be easy to say the Commanders will strike first with a player at a premium position, such as edge rusher or wide receiver, but they have so many needs, everything is on the table.

Despite feeling confident at the safety position ahead of last season, the Commanders were terrible there in 2025. Quan Martin badly regressed, Will Harris missed most of the season and Washington lacked an overall playmaking presence at safety last season. While safety isn’t discussed as a major need for the Commanders, upgrades are needed.

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One under-the-radar target could be Nick Cross of the Indianapolis Colts. He has everything Washington should want in a free-agent signing. First, he’s only 24. He turns 25 in September. A third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Cross started four games in his first two seasons before becoming a full-time starter in 2024. He’s only missed one game in his career and has improved in each of his four NFL seasons.

Cross offers quality size (6-foot-0, 212) and blazing speed (4.34-second 40-yard dash). In his first year as a starter, Cross earned a 70.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. He had an 80.2 run defense grade and a 64.3 grade in coverage. He earned a 59.8 overall grade from PFF in 2025, highlighted by a 72.0 grade against the run. Cross can also thrive as a blitzer.

Cross played closer to the line of scrimmage the last two seasons and would greatly improve Washington’s tackling. He’s also local, having played at DeMatha Catholic in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

The Commanders will be mentioned as possibilities for all of the top names in free agency. Why? Because they have needs everywhere and cash to spend. Safety is a need, even if not a primary one. Cross is the type of free agent teams should circle: young, durable, athletic with upside. Cross would help clean up Washington’s run defense on the backend.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Colts S Nick Cross is a free agent to watch