The Washington Commanders have agreed to phrases on a three-year contract with tight finish Chig Okonkwo, brokers Jason Chayut and Jared Fox instructed NFL Network.
The staff additionally agreed to a deal with safety Nick Cross, a supply instructed ESPN’s Adam Schefter, after earlier reaching a deal with former New England Patriots move rusher K’Lavon Chaisson.
Cross’ deal is for 2 years and value up to $14 million, in accordance to NFL Network.
It is not instantly clear what the addition of Okonkwo means for the way forward for veteran tight finish Zach Ertz, who’s coming off a torn ACL and is a free agent.
Okonkwo simply accomplished the ultimate season of his four-year rookie contract with the Tennessee Titans, who chosen Okonkwo within the fourth spherical (143rd general) of the 2022 draft. Okonkwo, 26, began 42 of the 68 video games he is performed in during the last 4 seasons.
Known for his yards after the catch, Okonkwo has caught 5 passes of 40-plus yards over his profession, together with a career-high 70-yard landing reception in opposition to the Houston Texans in 2024.
Over his profession, Okonkwo has caught 194 passes for two,017 yards to go alongside with eight receiving touchdowns. Okonkwo has develop into extra of a transfer tight finish and is used throughout the formation, from the backfield and the slot to in-line and on the skin.
He was on the sphere for a team-high 630 offensive snaps (62.7%) final season.
Cross, 24, established himself as a top-tier field safety the previous two seasons. Among defensive backs, solely the Arizona Cardinals‘ Budda Baker has extra tackles up to now two seasons than Cross’ 266 for the Indianapolis Colts.
His capability to help the Colts’ run protection helped increase a protection that was No. 2 within the NFL in yards per carry allowed (3.9). Cross additionally developed a knack for blitzing the quarterback in 2025, with 2.5 sacks and 6 quarterback hits when used as an occasional move rusher.
A 2022 third-round choose from Maryland, Cross spent two seasons ready his flip and displaying restricted growth earlier than taking off in 2024. That season, he grew to become a full-time starter for the primary time, remarkably taking part in 100% of the staff’s 1,155 defensive snaps.
Cross has made 34 consecutive begins for the Colts since taking up the robust safety spot full time. For his profession, he is registered 322 tackles, 5 interceptions, two compelled fumbles and three.5 sacks.
ESPN’s Turron Davenport and Stephen Holder contributed to this report.
