The Houston Texans exceeded expectations in 2023 in large part due to breakout performances across the roster. Few were as surprising as linebacker Blake Cashman.
Cashman had come out of left field to be a major player in the middle of Houston’s defense. His athleticism kept him on the field on passing downs, and he played the sixth-most snaps on the defense.
After spending the first three years of his career with the New York Jets, Cashman was traded for a mere sixth-round pick in 2022. It wouldn’t be until linebacker guru DeMeco Ryans became the Texans head coach that he would blossom. Now, he’s a pending free agent, leaving Houston with a decision to make in the second level of its defense.
Among qualified linebackers, only five graded out higher than Cashman, per Pro Football Focus. Of Houston’s starters, only cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. fared better. His headlining effort came in a 19-tackle affair against the Arizona Cardinals, but he had been a consistent presence throughout the season.
Extending Cashman – which PFF projects to cost $4.25 million per year for two years – is the simplest answer.
However, the Texans may venture into the open market. One somewhat popular option seems to be Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. He carries first-round pedigree, and his athleticism may warrant a look, but it’s harder to make the case for Murray.
Unlike Cashman, Murray hasn’t had the breakout season his athleticism provided optimism for. He lacks eye discipline and physicality, making him hard to trust against the run.
A better avenue may be Denver Broncos linebacker Josey Jewell. If Houston feels comfortable enough with his athletic limitations, he would provide a downhill thumper and a more consistent tackler than most of the market.
It’s possible Cashman’s breakout lands him a bigger deal than initially anticipated or his lack of a track record scares the front office away. But he’s proof that the Ryans administration can get the best out of its linebackers and he’s just as explosive as any linebacker that will become available.
In today’s passing league – filled with dynamic quarterbacks challenging defenses – a player of Cashman’s skill set and presumed price tag makes a lot of sense for the Texans.
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