Free agent linebacker options for the Kansas City Chiefs
By Matt Conner
Josh Bynes is a veteran linebacker who has played for multiple NFL teams at this stage of his career (2020 will be his 10th season). Given his journeyman resume, Bynes would seem, on the surface, to be par for the course for what the Chiefs already have (some level of middling talent at a few linebacker spots). Given what he brought to the Ravens last season, however, Bynes might have more in the tank than you’d believe.
Last year, the Ravens were widely considered the NFL’s best regular season team, but there was an early moment when they panicked on defense. In Week 3, the Ravens gave up 503 yards and 27 first downs to the Chiefs in their first loss of the year. The very next week, the Cleveland Browns put up 40 points and 530 total yards on offense in another loss. The Ravens were ready to make some moves.
Picture Bynes as the Ravens’ version of Mike Pennel in 2019. The team was frustrated by inside linebacker play during those losses and brought in both Bynes and L.J. Fort as free agent additions. Both players helped solidify the heart of the defense and the Ravens wouldn’t lose a single game after that.
Synopsis: Bynes isn’t going to embarrass himself in any single area on defense and came away with 2 INTs and 4 batted passes in a partial season in Baltimore. He’s a jack of all trades and master of none, but given the Chiefs draft position, lack of overall picks, and financial constraints, an addition like Bynes might be the ceiling for what they can add.