Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is introduced down by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) on Jan 13, 2025, throughout the NFC Wild Card matchup at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Cashman’s well timed deal with halted a key Rams drive, highlighting Minnesota’s defensive depth in one of many postseason’s most bodily battles. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Pictures.
As we head in direction of coaching camp, Professional Soccer Focus put out an article itemizing 15 names they believed may very well be commerce candidates. In accordance with them, there may very well be an enormous Vikings commerce across the nook, with one of many workforce’s key defenders on his method out.
Cashman Suits the Vikings’ Defensive Timeline, however PFF Disagrees
Once I opened the PFF article, I needed to admit I wasn’t anticipating Blake Cashman’s identify to pop up, however there he was. Among the many 15 names, the Vikings’ center linebacker and inexperienced dot man was named. Minnesota desirous to commerce their important communicator and the cog within the center that makes the whole lot else flip didn’t make sense to me, however right here is the rationale for PFF’s considering.
Dec 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) and linebacker Jonathan Greenard (rear) trigger Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) to fumble throughout the first quarter at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Pictures.
As soon as the centerpiece of Minnesota’s fabulous protection, Cashman may very well be on the transfer after a down yr.In 2025, Cashman didn’t appear like the sturdy linebacker of the final two years.
His total PFF grade dipped from 72.0 to 63.6, punctuated by his 48.6 PFF protection grade. However, he was good as a downhill participant with a 7.7% run cease charge and a 5.3% missed deal with clip.In gentle of
Cashman’s decline in addition to this being the ultimate yr of his contract, the Vikings drafted linebacker Jake Golday within the second spherical in addition to prolonged Eric Wilson. That implies that both he or Ivan Tempo Jr. might have their days numbered in purple.
There are some legitimate factors right here. Cashman did have a down yr; he’s now 30 years outdated and within the final yr of his contract. Nevertheless, they fail to say that he suffered a hamstring harm in Week 1 towards the Chicago Bears, which severely hampered his begin.
Sep 29, 2024; Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) throughout the recreation towards the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Area. Obligatory Credit score: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Pictures.
He didn’t return to full involvement till Week 8. He appeared extra like his outdated self by the tip of the season, with 2 sacks and a couple of tackles for loss within the remaining two video games of the season. Protection has by no means been Cashman’s energy, but it surely’s honest to say he didn’t have the most effective yr in that division.
Will the Vikings Commerce Blake Cashman?
Cashman is likely one of the Vikings’ finest gamers, and I simply don’t foresee the Vikings procuring him round. It will depart Minnesota very brief at linebacker, with Cashman clearly a stage above the others at his place proper now. Eric Wilson did effectively as a rusher final season in Brian Flores’ protection, however I wouldn’t be assured of him taking up Cashman’s function on the protection.
Minnesota Vikings Govt Vice President of Soccer Operations Rob Brzezinski joins a dialogue with KFAN host Paul Allen and analyst Pete Bercich on the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix, Feb 25, 2026, in Indianapolis. The front-office chief outlined roster-building philosophy and offseason technique throughout the on-site interview. Obligatory Credit score: YouTube
Ivan Tempo’s inventory has been falling since his breakthrough as an undrafted rookie. He misplaced his beginning place to Wilson final yr and didn’t look near being able to take over from Cashman. Perhaps Jake Golday can are available in and take over right away, however we’re a great distance off figuring out that proper now. The plan may very well be that the Vikings need their second-round rookie to take over subsequent yr, however Golday and Cashman taking part in collectively can be preferable to me.
Will the Vikings commerce Cashman? I don’t know for positive that they gained’t, however I might be very shocked if it’s even into consideration proper now. The Minnesota native ought to be staying residence a minimum of for 2026.
Proud UK Viking. Household Man. Take pleasure in writing about my workforce. Away from soccer an advocate for autism acceptance.
