A pair of Maryland football alumni will return to the DMV for the 2026 NFL season.
Tight end Chig Okonkwo and safety Nick Cross both signed free agent contracts with the Washington Commanders on Wednesday. Okonkwo’s deal was finalized Thursday, with Cross yet to officially sign.
Okonkwo signed a three-year deal worth up to $30 million. Cross’ deal is
for two years, worth up to $14 million. The specifics of each contract are not yet public.
Okonkwo and Cross were both All-Big Ten honorable mentions in 2021, their final seasons in College Park. Cross was drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft’s third round by the Indianapolis Colts, and Okonkwo went one round later to the Titans.
In other news
Ben Messinger gave his women’s NCAA Tournament predictions ahead of Selection Sunday.
Maryland baseball opens Big Ten play at home with a weekend series against Purdue. Rachel Lawrence previewed the action.
The Dirty Terps’ weekend pitchers are set.
Four Maryland wrestlers will compete in the NCAA Tournament.
Maryland tennis hosts Rutgers this weekend for its Big Ten home opener.
