The Houston Texans are trying to re-sign Blake Cashman, but the veteran linebacker is drawing a massive market as free agency nears, league sources tell FanBuzz.
According to a source, granted anonymity to speak freely, at least 10 teams have expressed some level of interest in signing the 27-year-old thumper.
Cashman appeared in 14 games for the Texans in 2023, logging the most productive season of his career, finishing with 106 total tackles with two sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, and one interception in 14 games.
"I'm excited to hear what different teams have to say, and hopefully the Texans come back and have a good conversation with me," Cashman recently told ESPN. "There's a lot to look forward to — whether that be in Houston or another team. I'm excited for my greatest opportunity I've had in my entire football career. I hope to walk in and be looked at and valued as a guy who will be a starting linebacker."
The Texans are undoubtedly a team on the rise, thanks in large part to rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud's enormous potential and aim to make strides beyond a 2023 campaign that saw Houston win a playoff game before ultimately falling to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional round.
Likewise, Cashman is one of the burgeoning young linebackers in the NFL.
Blake Cashman Hitting Free Agency at Right Time
It isn't surprising to see Cashman draw a strong market, especially after proving last season that he can stay healthy and perform at a high level while leading a defense with talent at all three levels.
Pro Football Focus points out that Among 55 linebackers with at least 50 tackles in 2023, Cashman's 7% missed tackle rate is a top-15 mark.
Listed as PFF's No. 8 ranked linebacker in the NFL, for the 2023 season, Cashman has produced 181 career tackles with 5.5 sacks, one interception, and three fumble recovers through his first 44 games.
In an offseason where the salary cap is an unprecedented $255.4 million, and the Texans have upwards of $70.02 million in cap space, sixth-most in the NFL, Cashman could have his pick of strong situations as his next destination once free agency opens on March 13.
