The Minnesota Vikings added a number of new gamers in the course of the preliminary wave of free company this offseason. Jonathan Greenard, Sam Darnold, and Andrew Van Ginkel are among the many names added to the roster. 

Nevertheless, one free agent signing has flown underneath the radar. The Vikings signed Blake Cashman to man one of many inside linebacker positions. Cashman inked a three-year, $25.5 million take care of his hometown workforce. 

The Vikings’ Free Company Steal

Cashman performed his faculty ball for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and was quietly probably the greatest center linebackers within the league in 2023. Earlier than 2023, Cashman had primarily performed a reserve function. That every one modified final season, although, as Cashman began 13 video games and had his finest season but. 

The linebacker collected 106 tackles, two sacks, 9 tackles for loss, and one interception. Cashman obtained an elite 83.7 PFF grade, which ranked fifth amongst 66 certified inside linebackers. The LB was environment friendly in opposition to the run and the cross and will proceed to thrive in Brian Flores’ protection. 

Cashman will substitute the veteran Jordan Hicks, who departed for the Cleveland Browns in free company. The previous Golden Gopher joins Ivan Tempo Jr. within the beginning lineup and offers the Vikings a younger and thrilling pair in the midst of the protection. 

The Vikings blitzed greater than any workforce in 2023. Flores’ unit blitzed opposing QBs 348 instances whereas the following closest workforce was the New York Giants who blitzed 288 instances. Hicks and Tempo had been utilized incessantly, with each gamers blitzing at the very least 75 instances in 2023. 

Cashman just isn’t as skilled as a blitzer, however he confirmed enchancment in that space in 2023. The linebacker blitzed 28 instances final season, which was the second highest whole of his profession. On these blitzes, Cashman collected seven whole pressures, together with two hurries, three QB knockdowns, two sacks. These numbers give motive to imagine that with extra alternative, Cashman may put collectively large numbers in Flores’ scheme.

On high of some upside along with his blitzing, proof exists that Cashman may very well be an improve over Hicks and Tempo in cross protection. The linebacker was focused 55 instances and allowed 38 receptions for a 69.1% completion fee. Hicks and Tempo each allowed over an 80% completion share when focused in 2023. 

Whereas 2023 was Cashman’s first productive season as a professional, the linebacker was very productive in faculty. From 2016-2018, he was one of many Large Ten’s finest gamers on the place. The Eden Prairie native collected 179 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks over three seasons with the Golden Gophers. Cashman ended up being chosen within the fifth spherical of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. After a number of seasons as a backup, Cashman had his breakout season in a contract yr in 2023.

Off-ball linebackers normally aren’t the sexiest additions, however Cashman ought to thrive in Minnesota. Hicks and Tempo each eclipsed 100 whole tackles in 2023, and each obtained strong PFF grades. Flores’ system helps MLB’s thrive, and Cashman gained’t be an exception. Don’t be shocked if Cashman earns a Professional Bowl nod in his first season with the Vikings. 

Editor’s Notice: Statistics for this text had been discovered through Pro Football Focus and Pro Football Reference.