RENTON – After a promising first two seasons in the NFL, Seattle Seahawks left tackle and former No. 9 overall draft pick Charles Cross took another step forward last fall.

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Despite playing along an offensive line with myriad issues at other spots, Cross tied for ninth out of 81 tackles in Pro Football Focus grading, including 13th in pass block grading and 16th in run block grading. He also received high marks from ESPN, ranking 16th among tackles in pass block win rate.

In the process, the 6-foot-5, 311-pound Cross made a strong case for a big second contract that would solidify him as one of Seattle’s franchise cornerstones.

That extension hasn’t come yet, but the Seahawks did pick up the fifth-year option on Cross’ rookie deal in late April. That means Cross is set to remain in Seattle through the 2026 season. He’s slated to make a fully guaranteed $17.56 million that year, according to Over The Cap.

It was a rare move by the Seahawks, as Cross was the franchise’s first player to receive a fifth-year option since the clause went into effect for first-round picks in 2011. Seattle had declined the option for each of its previous six first-round picks.

Speaking to the media last Wednesday for the first time since his option was exercised, Cross was asked whether he plans on having extension talks with the Seahawks this offseason.

Cross said he’s currently just focused on football.

“I’m just worried about right now and that’s it,” Cross said. “We’ll get to that when the time comes.”

But a few moments later, Cross emphasized that he’d ultimately like to remain in the Pacific Northwest long-term.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but Seattle,” Cross said. “I love the fans here. I love the team. It’s one of the greatest organizations in the NFL. I like it here a lot.”

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