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. A big figure in the midst of Houston’s defence, Cashman 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.
The simplest solution is to extend Cashman, which PFF estimates will cost $4.25 million year for two years. The Texans might, nevertheless, try their hand at open markets. Kenneth Murray Jr., a linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers, appears to be one 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 makes him difficult to rely on when running.
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