One of the more under-the-radar positions the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will need to address this offseason is inside linebacker. It appears all signs are leading to a continuation of Lavonte David manning one of the starting spots as he has done so for the last 12 seasons. However, the other spot could be up for grabs with the expected departure of Devin White.
David is coming off an amazing season in 2023 and showed no signs of slowing down. While Devin White played himself out of Tampa Bay with a down season in a contract year, one that saw him benched down the stretch. The Bucs have said all the right things about K.J. Britt and last year’s fifth-round pick SirVocea Dennis, but both players are limited physically or experience-wise.
In a deep free-agent class, the Bucs could look outside the organization to fill the void at starting linebacker alongside David, especially in a downtrodden year in the draft.
Cashman would be a tremendous fit for the Bucs in free agency. In 13 starts he had 106 tackles, nine for loss, two sacks, five pass deflections, an interception, and a fumble recovery. He graded well in run defense, pass rush, and coverage and his 82.1 overall grade on Pro Football Focus saw him finish as the 8th best at his position and finishing fourth in coverage grade among linebackers.
Cashman would fit in seamlessly on the roster and give David a true running mate who can play all three down effectively. He is an ascending player and is projected to receive a two-year deal worth about $8.5 million in free agency per PFF.
