The Vikings Cut Candidate that Will Make Fans Upset
· Yahoo Sports
If things get wonky, then linebacker Blake Cashman is going to be shown the door. The Vikings cut candidate isn’t considered a cut candidate by most, but that’s part of the point: this one would hit a lot of folks as coming out of nowhere.
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The veteran ‘backer is moving into the final year of his three-year contract. Already, Mr. Cashman has been in town for a pair of seasons even though it feels as though he just arrived. A world exists where he gets extended. Or, perhaps, the team allows him to venture into free agency next year before a reunion deal gets sorted out. That outcome, though, appears more unlikely now than six months ago. In fact, a cut wouldn’t be unfathomable.
A Vikings Cut Candidate: LB Blake Cashman
A variety of factors introduce uncertainty for Cashman’s ongoing employment in the Twin Cites.
To begin, the change within the front office means embracing a fresh perspective. There’s still plenty of continuity within the leadership since the coaching staff remains largely in place. Still, though, there’s something to be said for an obvious point: hiring a new GM means less loyalty to the old GM’s guys. Cashman is among these guys.
Minnesota Vikings defenders Blake Cashman and Jonathan Greenard converge on Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams during NFC North action at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Minnesota pass rush created havoc throughout the contest, forcing a key turnover that helped swing momentum early. The play occurred on Dec. 16, 2024, during a divisional showdown in Minneapolis. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.Consider, as well, that Minnesota already appears to have tipped its hand at linebacker.
Opting to bring Eric Wilson back means that the position already boasts a veteran option for the next couple years, at minimum. Maybe all that means is that Cashman will walk in 2027, but there’s a plan in place for life after Cashman.
Plus, the 2026 NFL Draft involved snagging Jake Golday. The rangy rookie linebacker oozes potential. He’s a great athlete who appears to be a queen on the chess board. Golday goes forward, backward, diagonally, and every other direction. The kid still does need to prove himself but optimism exists for the young lad.
Ivan Pace Jr. is still only 25. The Vikings then have several unheralded players in Bangally Kamara, Keli Lawson, Jacob Roberts, and Josh Ross. Does one of these guys show unexpected excellence?
Another factor to consider is that Brian Flores is a creative guy. He’s not shy about using edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel as an off-ball linebacker. Coach Flores has shown a willingness to do the same with Dallas Turner. Chaz Chambliss appears to be another option for this sort of thing and maybe Bo Richter could do the same.
Moreover, there are the players at safety — Josh Metellus, in particular — capable of playing linebacker. Seeing Harrison Smith return would further create a roster logjam.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) runs against Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.Finally, there’s the financial end of things.
Moving on from Blake Cashman with a straightforward cut could mean recouping $7,632,353 in cap space. Presumably, most of that would get rolled over into next year, but that’s a decision for the new GM. Opting for a Cashman trade, a situation that requires another team to agree to terms, would mean welcoming identical cap savings.
Cashman isn’t likely to be shown the door. He remains a very good player who helps the team to matchup. He can be an eraser in the run game, making runners disappear; so, too, can he be a monster in pass coverage, making life difficult for tight ends and slot receivers. Better yet, he’s a leader who has a brain in his head. The Vikings do value what he brings to the table (which is to say nothing of the fans).
If, however, the desire is for youth and financial savings, then moving on from Blake Cashman isn’t totally without reason. He has had some injury issues, plays at a deep position, was brought in by the old GM, and would see his contract give back nice cap savings.
Blake Cashman is 30. He had 144 tackles, 2 sacks, and 4 tackles for loss in thirteen games last season.