The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms with former Houston Texans linebacker, and ascending star Blake Cashman in the early stages of the NFL legal tampering period.
A league source confirms Cashman intends to sign a three-year contract worth up to $25.5 million, to join the Vikings once free agency officially gets underway.
Cashman’s deal was officially reported by Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network.
Homecoming: The #Vikings are signing Minnesota native and LB Blake Cashman to a three-year deal worth up to $25.5 million, his agent @blakebaratz of @TeamIFA tells me and @RapSheet.
Big deal for @blockayy, who grew up in Eden Prairie, played for the Gophers and now is a Viking. pic.twitter.com/g3Cm2b8wsm
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2024
Minnesota Vikings Strong Offer Too Rich to Overcome
Before agreeing to terms with the Vikings, Cashman had several teams interested in signing him but wound up returning to his home state where he played college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Cashman previously stated that he planned on giving the Texans the opportunity to match any offer that he received.
“I’ve made it very clear to the team and my agent that whatever opportunities come my way, Houston is going to have the chance to make an offer or counteroffer to keep me here because I do believe staying here is the best option,” Cashman said, via The TexansWire. “It’s great for both parties. They know me, I know them. What they do well is perfect for what I need. So, I’m not going to make any decisions without going back to Houston first.”
Ultimately, the Vikings prevailed.
Cashman is coming off the most dominant season of his career, to date, producing a career-high 106 total tackles with two sacks one interception, and one fumble recovery before cashing in in free agency.
How Blake Cashman Fits Minnesota Vikings’ Defense
The former fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft of the Texans, Cashman arrives in Minnesota having posted 181 total tackles and developing a reputation for always being around the football.
However, that isn’t all Cashman brings to the table.
An ascending defensive star, Pro Football Focus points out that last season that opposing quarterbacks posted a paltry 83.7 passer rating when targeting Cashman. Meanwhile, PFF gives Cashman an 84.7 run-defense grade, underscoring how versatile a defender he is in the heart of the front seven.