The Seattle Seahawks are 11-3, and heading into a Week 16 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams for a chance to take a strong lead in the NFC West division race.
One of the main reasons why the Seahawks are in such a great spot is their offense's production in the passing game. While Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are extension candidates, another important part of the offense cannot be ignored.
ESPN's Brady Henderson predicts that the Seahawks, despite the opportunity to extend Smith-Njigba or Darnold, will instead choose to first extend left tackle Charles Cross.
Seahawks predicted to extend Charles Cross over offseason
"The Seahawks are expected to begin negotiations with Cross, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and cornerback Devon Witherspoon in the spring." Henderson writes. "All three franchise cornerstones are likely to sign massive extensions at some point, but Cross is like the safest bet to get his this offseason."
Seattle is planning to extend all of their core players at some point over the next few months, but for Seattle, the most likely extension candidate is left tackle Charles Cross.
He's an integral protector for the Seahawks, and keeping him around long-term is paramount to the Seahawks' sustained success.
They've struggled to find capable offensive linemen for some time, and letting Cross walk would be a massive mistake.
Henderson predicts the Seahawks will extend him first this upcoming offseason, a sign that the Seahawks are well aware of his importance and the urgency with which they need to act with Cross.
He has one fewer year of control than Witherspoon and Smith-Njigba, making his extension the far more pressing issue to resolve at some point in the coming months.
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