Seahawks sign first-round pick Charles Cross

The Seahawks’ highest draft pick in 12 years, Charles Cross is now under contract. The Seahawks and the No. 9 overall pick agreed to terms on the customary four-year rookie contract Wednesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

Cross was the last unsigned top-10 pick from this year’s class. Only five first-rounders remain unsigned. The Mississippi State-produced tackle can be kept on his rookie deal through 2026 via the fifth-year option. The slot deal is worth $21.4M; that amount is fully guaranteed.

The Seahawks are hoping for a long-term partnership with Cross, their first top-10 draftee since Russell Okung in 2010. Okung stayed with the Seahawks for six seasons. In 2017, the Seahawks traded for Duane Brown, who stayed on as their left tackle through last season. Brown remains a free agent, while the Seahawks reinvested in this prime position.

The two-year Mississippi State starter was the third tackle off the board this year, following Ikem Ekwonu (No. 6, Panthers) and Evan Neal (No. 7, Giants). Despite being closely linked to the Giants throughout the pre-draft process, Cross fell to the Seahawks, who used first- and third-round picks on tackles this year. They selected Abraham Lucas in Round 3.

The 6-foot-4 blocker will make an interesting transition going from Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense to one of the NFL’s most run-oriented attacks. Post-Russell Wilson, Seattle’s offense could shift further in this direction. Cross only played for the Rebels under Leach, who moved from Washington State to the SEC program in 2020. Cross declared for the draft after his redshirt sophomore season, when he earned first-team All-SEC acclaim.