The Los Angeles Rams were able to secure an integral piece of their offensive line this offseason by re-signing Austin Blythe.
It is no secret that the Rams suffered plenty of turnover to their roster this offseason. Fortunately, they made efforts to shore up the offensive line by bringing back Blythe and left tackle Andrew Whitworth on new deals.
Blythe was able to work his way up the pecking order to emerge as a starter over the last few years. The fact that Los Angeles kept him around on a one-year, $3.9 million indicates that they envision a similar role for him doing forward.
According to Stu Jackson of the team’s official website, Blythe is looking forward to being able to run it back with the Rams:
“I had a hard time thinking about starting over,” Blythe said on a conference call with local media Wednesday. “So to have an offer that was a good offer to return to play for the Rams and Coach Sean McVay, Aaron Kromer, all those guys in the organization, was a relieving feeling.”
It is encouraging to see that Blythe is glad to be sticking around for the opening of SoFi Stadium. Any chance at a potential resurgence on offense for the 2020 NFL season will need to start with some improvement up front.
Blythe came into the league as a seventh-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He spent a season with the Colts before he was claimed off waivers prior to the 2017 campaign and it would be a full season before he finally established himself as a bonafide starter.
Blythe’s versatile skill set as an interior lineman has allowed the Rams to plug him in at a number of positions including center and both guard positions. Of course, it remains to be seen where he will end up in the 2020 NFL season after all the changes that were made to the roster.
The former Iowa product will no longer be clearing holes for running back Todd Gurley after the team parted ways with him this offseason. Instead, it will be running back Darrell Henderson that is slated to take over as the featured back.
Meanwhile, the pass protection for quarterback Jared Goff will continue to be a point of emphasis when assembling the depth chart. Blythe’s ability to play at three spots should help pay huge dividends for the Rams and it could ultimately help earn him a long-term deal once the season is over.
