The Seattle Seahawks made a major move for the future of the franchise ahead of the NFL playoffs. Seattle announced a massive extension keeping one of the team’s stars in the Pacific Northwest for the foreseeable future.
Seahawks left tackle Charles Cross has been sidelined with an injury to end the regular season, but the star is expected to return as Seattle begins their playoff run in two weeks in the divisional round. Not only is Cross returning to the field, but the franchise left tackle will have a lucrative new $104 million deal next time the star suits up.
The deal represents the largest contract the Seahawks have ever signed for a non-quarterback in franchise history.
“Sources: The Seahawks and star OT Charles Cross have agreed to terms on a 4-year extension worth $104.4M — $26.1M average per year,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport detailed in a January 4, 2026, message on X.
“This is the largest non-QB contract in Seattle history. He gets $40.5M in Year 1 in a deal done by agent Saint Omni of @KlutchSports.”
Here’s what you need to know about the latest Seahawks news ahead of the NFL playoffs.
The Seahawks Signed LT Charles Cross to a 4-Year, $104 Million Contract Extension Ahead of the NFL Playoffs
Cross’ four-year, $21 million rookie deal was set to expire after the season. The offensive lineman would have played on a fifth-year option for Seattle in 2026.
Now, Cross’ new four-year, $104 million contract extension keeps the star in Seattle through the 2030 season. More pressing is Cross’ status for the postseason which appears to be trending in the right direction.
Cross did not play in the season finale against the San Francisco 49ers. Heading into Week 18, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald indicated that Cross was expected to play when Seattle begins the postseason.
“We’re optimistic for next week or the week after for Charles,” Macdonald said, per Seahawks.com’s John Boyle. “These guys have done a great job of getting back and working, but obviously Charles isn’t going to make it this week.”
Seahawks Playoff Schedule: Seattle’s Next Game Is in the Divisional Round on January 17 or 18
The good news for Cross is that the left tackle will get another week of rest. After securing the No. 1 seed, the Seahawks get a first-round bye during the wild card round.
Seattle’s next game will be on January 17 or 18 in the divisional round. The Seahawks’ next opponent will be determined by the wild card results. Seattle will host the highest remaining seed in the divisional round.
“Mike Macdonald says on @SeattleSports Charles Cross’ extension is ‘big time for our team,'” The Athletic’s Michael-Shawn Dugar explained in a January 5, message on X.
“Gives the OL continuity but also, ‘You talk about a cornerstone of your program, Charles is one of those guys.’ Says Charles’ work ethic, intentionality & mentality is what they’re about.”
Through the years, the Seahawks offensive line has been a point of concern. It helps Seahawks general manager John Schneider to have Cross, rookie Grey Zabel and other young players to build around moving forward.
Seahawks Create Stir With Historic $104 Million Move Before NFL Playoffs