Vikings Secure Blake Cashman Deal to Reinforce Defensive Front Seven
The Minnesota Vikings have made another move to strengthen their defense by signing free-agent linebacker Blake Cashman. With last year’s starting linebacker Jordan Hicks becoming a free agent, the Vikings were in need of an off-ball linebacker, and Cashman fits the bill perfectly. According to team sources, Cashman has agreed to terms with the Vikings.
Cashman, 27, has spent the last two years with the Houston Texans after playing his rookie contract with the New York Jets. He hails from Minnesota and attended Eden Prairie High School before playing college football at the University of Minnesota. His return to his home state is a homecoming for Cashman.
According to NFL Network, Cashman is set to sign a three-year deal worth up to $22.5 million. This shows the Vikings’ commitment to strengthening their defensive front seven.
Cashman is likely to start immediately in the center of the Vikings’ defense. He will take on the responsibilities that were previously handled by Jordan Hicks, including making adjustment calls and shifts to the front. Cashman has proven himself capable of handling these duties during his time with the Texans, where he made all the adjustment calls and shifts to the front.
Last season, Cashman allowed only 4.5 yards per target as the nearest defender, which is the second-fewest among linebackers with a minimum of 25 targets. This demonstrates his ability to effectively defend against passes.
Cashman’s presence on the field will also benefit Ivan Pace Jr., an undrafted rookie who performed exceptionally well last season for the Vikings. Cashman can serve as a mentor and example for Pace, showing him what he can achieve in the league.
At 6-foot-1 and 237 pounds, Cashman possesses the ideal measurables for a linebacker in today’s pass-heavy era of football. His speed, agility, and football IQ make him a valuable asset to the Vikings’ defense. He has a nose for the ball and consistently makes reads and reactions on the field.
Cashman’s journey to the NFL started in his hometown of Eden Prairie, where he was an all-state player in high school. He almost turned down a preferred walk-on spot at the University of Minnesota to play at the University of St. Thomas. However, he ultimately chose to play for the Golden Gophers.
During his college career, Cashman showcased his ball-tracking abilities, which he honed while playing cornerback in high school. He recorded 7.5 sacks as a sophomore and was named second-team all-Big Ten in 2018.
In the NFL, Cashman faced some injury setbacks in his early seasons, dealing with groin and hamstring injuries. However, in 2023, he emerged as an impact player on the Texans’ defense, surprising many with his performance.
The Vikings have made significant investments in their front seven this offseason, signing edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel in addition to Cashman. However, they still have needs at quarterback, on the interior of the defensive line, and at cornerback. The team is likely to address these areas in the remaining free agency period.
Overall, the Vikings’ defense continues to improve, but they will depend on good health and perhaps a strong draft to contend in the NFC North. The Packers have also fortified their defense with signings like safety Xavier McKinney, while the Detroit Lions are on the upswing. The competition within the division remains fierce, and it will be interesting to see how the Vikings fare in the upcoming season.