The Minnesota Vikings have retooled their defense in hopes of making a postseason run, and several new faces could make a big impact. Among the most overlooked additions is linebacker Blake Cashman, a rising talent the NFL should keep an eye on.
Minnesota strengthened its defensive line by signing veterans Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. In the secondary, the departures of Cam Bynum and Stephon Gilmore led to the signings of Jeff Okudah and Isaiah Rodgers at cornerback. At linebacker, the Vikings added Eric Wilson, while Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard are expected to come off the edge. Ivan Pace Jr. returns inside, but it’s his partner, Blake Cashman, who might be the hidden gem.
Once a fifth-round pick, Cashman was relatively unknown until his breakout 2023 season with the Texans, where he posted an 82.1 PFF grade, ranking in the top 10 at his position. That performance earned him a three-year deal in Minnesota under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. In 2024, he backed it up with another strong season, notching 947 defensive snaps, 112 tackles, 11 QB hits, 8 pass breakups, and 4.5 sacks.
Cashman’s versatility and instincts have made him a perfect fit in Flores’ aggressive scheme. He led all non-secondary Vikings in pass deflections and proved equally effective in run defense, earning a 76.3 run-defense grade from PFF.
With two years left on his deal, Cashman is poised to keep producing at a high level—and if he does, a major payday could be on the horizon.
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