Can Azeez Al-Shaair Help Texans Fill Void Left By Blake Cashman?

Blake Cashman played a major role in the Houston Texans' success in 2023. But following his departure, could Azeez Al-Shaair fill in the on-field vacancy left by Cashman's jettinson?

HOUSTON -- Wide receiver Stefon Diggs will not be the only player who will wear a new jersey number with the Houston Texans in 2024. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has announced that he will change his number to zero during his first season with the Texans.

Al-Shaair is joining the Texans after a one-year stint with the Tennessee Titans by signing a three-year, $34.0 million deal. It comes at no surprise that Al-Shaair had to change his number, given that No. 2 is currently occupied by wide receiver Robert Woods.

Dec 24, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (2) takes the

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However, Al-Shaair could become one of Houston's most important off-season acquisitions. He will take the helm as the Texans' MIKE following the departure of Blake Cashman, who signed a three-year deal to join the Minnesota Vikings at the start of free agency.

Although Cashman isn't a Pro Bowl-caliber player, Houston will rely heavily upon Al-Shaair to fill the void left by Cashman's departure.

Cashman had established himself as arguably the Texans' best linebacker last season, racking up 106 tackles, including nine for loss, five pass deflections, two sacks and one interception in 14 games.

His best performance came during the Texans' 21-16 victory on Nov. 19 against the Arizona Cardinals. Cashman had his best game with 19 tackles, two quarterback hits, and a pass deflection in the win. 

His play led to league-wide recognition when the NFL awarded him AFC Defensive Player of the Week for the second time. He became the first player in franchise history to receive the defensive honor in the same season since J.J. Watt in 2018.

Cashman played a major role in helping the Texans end their three-year playoff drought. But Al-Shaair could make for the perfect player who could replace Cashman's on-field production.

Al-Shaair is coming off a career season during his one-year stint with the Titans, where he posted 163 tackles, 84 solo hits, six quarterback hits, and 2.0 sacks.

The 2023 season marked the second time in Al-Shaair's career he reached over 100 tackles. His first came in 2021 during his first year playing under coach DeMeco Ryans, who served as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.

Should Al-Shaair match the on-field productivity of Cashman, his play could catapult Houston into championship contention next season.

Al-Shaair was one of many significant changes the Texans made to their team on the defensive side of the ball. They added a pair of great pass-rushers Denico Autry and Danielle Hunter, who recorded a combined 28.0 sacks last season. Hunter became the Texans' biggest free agency acquisition, as the four-time Pro Bowler agreed to a two-year deal worth $49 million.

The Texans also made a pair of major splashes on the offensive side. Before landing Diggs in a trade, Houston acquired running back Joe Mixon from the Cincinnati Bengals.

Houston landed Diggs in a blockbuster trade from the Buffalo Bills. Similar to Al-Shaair, the All-Pro wideout will move on from his original number. Diggs will wear No. 1 after dawning 14 his entire career with the Vikings and Bills.