ESPN Projects Colts to Re-Sign Emerging Free Agent Safety

Nick Cross, a 25-year-old safety, is expected to receive a contract extension from the Indianapolis Colts.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 11:07pm

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ESPN's Aaron Schatz projects the Indianapolis Colts will re-sign 25-year-old safety Nick Cross, who is set to become a free agent this offseason. Cross, a 2022 3rd round pick, has started 34 straight games for the Colts over the past two seasons and is coming off a strong 2025 campaign where he recorded 120 tackles, 5 passes defended, an interception, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.

Why it matters

Retaining Cross would be an important move for the Colts as they look to build around their young core on defense. As one of the top free agent safeties available, Cross could command a lucrative multi-year deal on the open market, so the Colts will have to weigh his value against their other roster priorities like re-signing quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce.

The details

Cross, who will turn 25 before the 2026 season, has emerged as a key part of the Colts' secondary since becoming a full-time starter in 2024. In 2025, he recorded 120 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 5 passes defended, an interception, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. While his overall PFF grade of 59.8 ranked 68th out of 98 qualifying safeties, he excelled in run defense with a +72.0 grade.

  • Cross just completed his 4th NFL season with the Colts in 2025.
  • He has started 34 straight games for the Colts since becoming a full-time starter in 2024.

The players

Nick Cross

A 25-year-old safety who was a 3rd round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2022. He has emerged as a key starter in the Colts' secondary over the past two seasons.

Daniel Jones

The Colts' starting quarterback, who is also set to be a free agent this offseason and is one of the team's top priorities to re-sign.

Alec Pierce

The Colts' starting wide receiver, who is also set to be a free agent this offseason and is one of the team's top priorities to re-sign.

Cam Bynum

The Colts' starting safety who would potentially play alongside Cross if the team is able to re-sign him.

Hunter Wohler

A 2025 7th round pick of the Colts who could be an internal replacement candidate at safety if the team is unable to re-sign Cross.

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What they’re saying

“Big prediction for the offseason: The Colts will give a big extension to 25-year-old safety Nick Cross. He did well in my coverage DVOA metric and was involved in 14.0% of Colts defensive plays, fourth among safeties in 2025. His average run tackle came after a gain of just 4.3 yards (ranked third among safeties with at least 20 run tackles).”

— Aaron Schatz (ESPN)

What’s next

The Colts will have to decide whether to prioritize re-signing Nick Cross or focus their resources on other key free agents like Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce. Cross' next contract will likely exceed Spotrac's current 4-year, $24.3 million projection, so the Colts will have to weigh his value against their other roster needs.

The takeaway

Retaining Nick Cross would be an important move for the Colts as they look to build around their young core on defense. However, with other key free agents to re-sign, the Colts may have to make difficult decisions on how to allocate their resources this offseason.