Commanders Add Tight End and Safety in Free Agency

Former Maryland teammates Chig Okonkwo and Nick Cross join Washington's roster.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:53pm

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The Washington Commanders have agreed to deals with former Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo and former Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross, both of whom played together at the University of Maryland. Okonkwo, 26, signed a three-year contract and will provide a pass-catching threat at tight end, while Cross, 22, signed a two-year deal and brings speed and versatility to the Commanders' secondary.

Why it matters

The Commanders have been active in free agency, adding several new players to both the offense and defense. Okonkwo and Cross, who were college teammates, represent two more key additions as the team looks to improve on a 7-9 season and challenge for a playoff spot in the NFC East.

The details

Okonkwo, a fourth-round pick by the Titans in 2022, is coming off a career-best season in which he had 560 receiving yards and averaged 6.2 yards after the catch. He will provide a big target at 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds for quarterback Jayden Daniels. Cross, a third-round pick by the Colts in 2022, has started every game for Indianapolis over the past two seasons, totaling 266 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 3.5 sacks. His speed and versatility will be valuable assets in the Commanders' secondary.

  • On March 11, 2026, the Commanders agreed to deals with Okonkwo and Cross.

The players

Chig Okonkwo

A 26-year-old tight end who spent the last two seasons with the Tennessee Titans. He is known for his pass-catching ability and physicality at 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds.

Nick Cross

A 22-year-old safety who has started every game for the Indianapolis Colts over the past two seasons. He is known for his speed and versatility, having played multiple positions in the secondary.

Jayden Daniels

The starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders.

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What they’re saying

“Okonkwo gives quarterback Jayden Daniels another target, and a big one at that; he's 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds.”

— Nicki Jhabvala, Reporter

“Cross's versatility is one of his selling points. Last season he played almost everywhere on defense — in the post, in the box, on the line, in the slot and out wide.”

— Nicki Jhabvala, Reporter

What’s next

The Commanders will look to integrate Okonkwo and Cross into their offense and defense, respectively, as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The Commanders have been active in free agency, adding several new players to both sides of the ball. The additions of Okonkwo and Cross, former college teammates, represent two more key acquisitions as the team looks to build on a 7-9 season and challenge for a playoff spot in the NFC East.