The Minnesota Vikings have made significant investments in bolstering their defense through free agency, resulting in the departure of veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks.
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The signs were clear for Hicks once the Vikings reached an agreement with homegrown linebacker Blake Cashman, formerly of the Houston Texans, on a three-year, $22.5 million contract, according to The Athletic.
Consequently, Hicks reached terms on a two-year, $8 million deal with the Cleveland Browns on March 11, as reported by Dan Labbe of Cleveland.com. This move reunites him with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, with whom he previously worked during their time with the Philadelphia Eagles.
During his two-year tenure as a starter for the Vikings, Hicks swiftly gained the trust of his teammates and filled the void left by departing veteran defensive players in previous seasons. He assumed the role of team captain for the 2023 season, succeeding Eric Kendricks.
Hicks faced a rare compartment disorder in his leg during a November game, which led to hospitalization and a risk of leg amputation. However, he underwent surgery and remarkably returned to action just six weeks later.
“Jordan is the linchpin of our defense in terms of leadership,” remarked Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell upon Hicks’ return to the field, as cited on Vikings.com. “Having a player of his caliber back in the lineup is a significant asset for us.”
Eden Prairie Native Blake Cashman Comes Homes to Minnesota Vikings, Replaces Jordan Hicks
After graduating from Eden Prairie High School in 2014, Cashman contributed to the Eagles’ fourth consecutive state championship before committing to the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. During his senior year in 2018, he led Minnesota in tackles with 104 (62 solo), along with 2.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble that he also recovered for a defensive touchdown. His outstanding performance earned him second-team All-Big Ten honors.
Cashman was selected in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. However, he faced challenges with injuries during his time in New York, appearing in only 14 games over his first three seasons. He was later traded to the Houston Texans in the 2022 offseason and signed a one-year contract extension.
This extension proved beneficial for the Texans as Cashman emerged as one of the top five off-ball linebackers, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). Excelling as a run defender, Cashman, who transitioned from high school cornerback, displayed agile instincts in coverage.
In recognition of his outstanding performance in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints, Cashman was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week, tallying 15 tackles, two for loss, and two pass breakups.
Cashman’s capabilities make him an excellent replacement for Hicks, who, as a seasoned linebacker, has earned over $40 million throughout his career and has been responsible for communicating defensive adjustments.
According to Randy Mueller of The Athletic, the Texans heavily relied on Cashman for defensive responsibilities, including making adjustment calls and shifts in the defensive alignment. Mueller praised Cashman’s athleticism, instincts, consistency in reads and reactions, and his knack for finding the ball.
Vikings Defensive Front Fortified Through Free Agency
The Minnesota Vikings took significant steps to bolster their defensive front during free agency by securing three notable signings.
In addition to acquiring Cashman, the Vikings also reached agreements with outside linebackers Jonathan Greenard, signing him to a four-year, $76 million contract, and Andrew Van Ginkel, who agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal.
While parting ways with Danielle Hunter, who joined the Texans on a two-year, $49 million contract, the Vikings opted for Greenard and Van Ginkel, who align better with Brian Flores’ defensive scheme. This scheme demands edge rushers to occasionally drop back into coverage, adding complexity for opposing quarterbacks.
Although the Vikings still require reinforcement on the defensive interior, their linebacker unit, consisting of Greenard, Van Ginkel, Cashman, and standout undrafted rookie Ivan Pace, provides the versatility necessary for Brian Flores’ defensive strategies.
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