Linebacker Blake Cashman will officially become a free agent on Wednesday when the 2024 league year begins, but that doesn’t mean he wants to leave the Houston Texans.
Cashman told KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson that he’ll give the Texans the chance to counteroffer if he’s pursued by another team during free agency.
“I’ve made it very clear to the team and my agent that whatever opportunities come my way, Houston is going to have the chance to make an offer or counteroffer to keep me here because I do believe staying here is the best option,” Cashman said. “It’s great for both parties. They know me, I know them. What they do well is perfect for what I need. So, I’m not going to make any decisions without going back to Houston first.”
That sounds like a man who doesn’t want to leave. It takes two to tango in free agency. The Texans spoke highly of Cashman this offseason and reports indicate they want to keep him, but that doesn’t he’s a lock to return. General manager Nick Caserio likely has a value number set for Cashman and could have other targets at the middle linebacker position as well.
Cashman played extremely well in his second year in Houston and first with DeMeco Ryans at the helm. He finished with a career-high 106 tackles and proved himself as an adept playmaker in the middle of the defense.
That production could lead to a nice payday for Cashman — with the Texans or elsewhere.
“I think I definitely demonstrated that I can be a three-down linebacker,” Cashman said. “With Houston, I was able to demonstrate I can play multiple positions. Throughout the year, even in the same series, I was jumping between Mike, Sam and Will linebacker and was asked to do many things.”
Free agency unofficially begins Monday at 12 p.m. ET. The new league year — when free agency technically begin — doesn’t start until March 13 at 4 p.m. ET.