Unlike last offseason, the Los Angeles Rams put an emphasis on keeping their offensive line intact in free agency by bringing back left tackle Andrew Whitworth and interior lineman Austin Blythe.
The decision to keep Whitworth around as the anchor was certainly a no-brainer given the current state of this group. Meanwhile, Blythe’s presence gives the Rams perhaps their most versatile weapon up front.
Blythe has gotten ample playing time at center and both guard spots since entering the league prior to the 2016 campaign. He is happy to have another chance to show off his skill set after signing a one-year, prove-it deal with Los Angeles.
According to Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times, Blythe is hoping it can potentially lead to a long-term contract:
“It just came to be a one-year contract because that’s what my agent advised me was the best route to take given the opportunities that were on the table,” Blythe said. “And right now, I’m focused on this one year.
“I’m going to be in the same boat a year from now. Hopefully, at that point, I’ll have another chance to return to the Rams and finish my career.”
Blythe started at guard for the Rams last season and then moved to center when Brian Allen went down with a season-ending injury. He added that he is willing to play any position the Rams place him:
“I’m still comfortable going back and forth,” he said. “I think that kind of ties into just my personality as a person — I’m more of a people pleaser. Wherever the team thinks that I can help the best or help the most, that’s the position that I’ll play.”
Blythe’s willingness to take on any role is indicative of how determined he is to continue proving himself in Los Angeles. After all, this is where he was able to find his footing and get his career on track by working his way up the pecking order to emerge as a starter over the last few years.
Although it remains to be seen where the Rams plan on having Blythe play in the 2020 NFL season, his ability to play multiple positions on the inside will help pay huge dividends when the time comes for head coach Sean McVay to assemble the depth chart. Being a jack-of-all-trades has helped him maintain a steady role thus far, however, he will now need to prove that he is capable of playing each role at a high level if he hopes to potentially earn a long-term deal.
