Austin Blythe could provide further offensive line security for KC Chiefs
By Matt Conner
Why bring him back?
The Chiefs are looking at potential losses along the line that go far beyond Blythe in the interior. Kyle Long is set to hit free agency after returning from retirement to join the Chiefs. Mike Remmers has been a super sub himself but he’s ready to hit the open market, too. Andrew Wylie has been so valuable as a versatile lineman and he’s going to hit the market for the first time in his career after finishing his restricted free agency last year.
While the Chiefs still have Nick Allegretti as an interior backup to go behind Joe Thuney and Trey Smith, it’s uncertain how well he would fare at center despite experience at the position back in college (Illinois).
Blythe was the starting center for the Rams in 2020 for 16 games and was a 16-game starter at right guard the year before that. As another pro-ready Iowa product, he’s been well-coached for quite some time and the Chiefs could feel good about the tandem of Humphrey and Blythe in the heart of the line—just in case.
Why let him walk?
Given the further losses along the offensive line, the Chiefs might want to draft some further interior help to place them alongside Allegretti instead of going year-to-year with veterans for their o-line depth. Allegretti himself has a few years under his belt, so it makes even more sense knowing the cupboards will be bare again next spring.
It’s also possible that Blythe might looking for more playing time before it’s too late for him to find a starting role. The need for even average linemen around the league could create a market for Blythe or at least a clearer path to starting reps.