LA Rams upcoming NFL Free Agency strategy is a nail-biter

Backup-bound Blythe?

The LA Rams lose another offensive lineman from their Super Bowl LIII roster as interior offensive lineman Austin Blythe prepares for free agency and the likelihood he won’t be playing for the LA Rams

Background – Blythe was one of the players responsible for restoring some confidence in the offensive line in 2019.

Strengths – He is a versatile veteran. He plugs and plays in three of the LA Rams offensive line roles, both guards and center.

Weaknesses – He is a jack of all trades and master of none. He can be incredibly valuable at plugging holes in the offensive line at a number of positions. But he won’t be the league leader at any role.

Team Impact – Losing Blythe may carry a far greater impact on the team than expected. He was the second-most steadfast lineman next to left tackle Andrew Whitworth, and he came at an incredibly good value.

Estimated market value – Blythe has more value to the Rams than elsewhere. He could sign a four-year deal for as much as $6 million. He is 27 years old and has NFL starting experience.

Projected team action – Rams GM Les Snead mentioned communicating with Blythe’s agent, so a better than 50/50 shot of the team re-signing him. The Rams have already invested heavily in the offensive line. Blythe will add to that value if retained. But he carries more value to the Rams than to other teams.

Most likely team to sign him – unfortunately, both the Arizona Cardinals and the Seattle Seahawks are constantly shopping for interior offensive linemen. If the LA Rams do not resign him, he could end up on a conference rival.