A lot of the Houston Texans’ 2023 success was a result of players on the roster having breakthrough seasons. Blake Cashman, the linebacker, was the most unexpected. Cashman, a big figure in the midst of Houston’s defence, had emerged seemingly out of left field. He played the sixth-most defensive snaps and was retained on the field on passing downs thanks to his athleticism. Cashman played his first three years of his career with the New York Jets before being dealt in 2022 for a meagre sixth-round pick. He wouldn’t reach his full potential until linebacker guru DeMeco Ryans took over as head coach of the Texans. Now that he is a prospective free agent, Houston must decide how to use its second level of defence.
According to Pro Football Focus, just five linebackers who were eligible graded better than Cashman. Derek Stingley Jr., the cornerback, was the only starter for Houston to perform better. Despite his standout performance, which came in a 19-tackle game against the Arizona Cardinals, he had been a reliable player all season. Extending Cashman, which PFF predicts will cost $4.25 million per year for two years, is the simplest approach. The Texans might, nevertheless, try their hand at open markets. Kenneth Murray Jr., a linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers, appears to be a reasonably popular choice. Murray has a first-round pedigree, and his athleticism might be worth a look, but the argument is more tenuous. Murray, in contrast to Cashman, hasn’t experienced the breakthrough year that his athleticism promised.
His lack of physicality and eye control make him difficult to rely on when running. Josey Jewell, a linebacker for the Denver Broncos, would be a better option. Houston would offer a more reliable tackler than most on the market and a downhill thumper if he is sufficiently at ease with his physical limitations. Associated: Mike Evans Reacts to Free Agency in Houston: “I’m Excited!” Target Texans? It’s possible that Cashman’s breakthrough leads to a larger contract than first thought or that the front office is turned off by his lack of experience. However, he is evidence that the Ryans coaching staff can maximize the potential of their linebackers, and he is as explosive as any linebacker that will be available. With so many dynamic quarterbacks testing defences in today’s passing game, a guy with Cashman’s skill set and expected price tag makes a lot of sense for the Texans.
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