One of our own!
Blake Cashman grew up in Minnesota, playing his High School football in Eden Prairie. When it came to choosing where to go to college, Cashman elected to stay in the state, representing the Golden Gophers of the University of Minnesota.
It came as no surprise that when Cashman hit free agency, he had a keen interest in returning to Minnesota.
Due to his performances for a much-improved Houston Texans defence over the 2023 season, that interest was very much reciprocated.
Cashman signed a three-year $22.5 million contract in March 2024. We are 10 weeks into the first year of that contract and it is already looking like a bargain.
Across the first nine games of the season, Cashman has recorded 45 tackles, two sacks, five passes defended and three tackles for loss.
What makes those statistics even more impressive is the injury the linebacker picked up in London caused him to miss three games.
When you look at the defensive performances over that three-game stretch you can very quickly see the hole left by his absence.
The previously stingy defence gave up 31 points to the Lions, followed by 30 to the Rams. Things improved in the scoring column against the Colts, but that was more down to the failings of Joe Flacco rather than an upturn in the defensive play.
It is also worth noting that the one touchdown drive by the Jaguars in Week 10 occurred when Cashman was not on the field.
Cashman is the prototypical middle linebacker, flying around the field and affecting the play whatever the assignment; as capable of shedding blocks and getting to the quarterback as he is at dropping into coverage.
He brings a real sense of urgency and tenacity to everything he does.
Swiss Army Knife
The return of Cashman should allow the Vikings to return one of their more versatile defenders to his more natural position.
Josh Metellus was the player who regularly filled in at linebacker during Cashman’s absence. Listed as a safety by the Vikings, Metellus has lined up at almost every position in the defense.
While Metellus did not necessarily do anything wrong when dropped into the linebacker role, it did strip him of one of his greatest attributes – his versatility.
With Cashman back, the Vikings are free to deploy Metellus wherever they choose.
There are many playmakers on the Vikings defence, but Cashman might be the most crucial cog in what is starting to look like a very well-oiled machine.
