LA Rams err by losing Austin Blythe to FA. Now, who will play center?

The LA Rams have not been very active this offseason, mainly because they struggled to create cap space. That issue has caused the team’s inability to add to the roster. Yes, they did just sign speedy wideout DeSean Jackson, but they lost arguably their most important free agent, offensive enter Austin Blythe.

Blythe, who has been a versatile piece to the Rams offensive line since 2017, signed a one-year $990,000 deal with the Kansas City Chiefs that can increase with incentives (per Houston Chronicles Aaron Wilson). Losing Blythe in my opinion, was their biggest and most important loss of the offseason.

Not only does the team lose a big piece to the offensive line, but loses a leader for the offensive line as well. Yes, the Rams are strapped for cash, however, given the information on the contract, Blythe got, the team definitely could’ve afforded to match that contract. Blythe was more than just a center. He was a starter for the Super Bowl roster, and he started at both the offensive guard and center positions. For the price paid by the Chiefs, Blythe would have been an excellent backup.

This is a huge mistake by general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay for not attempting to re-sign their starting center. Replacing Austin Blythe is going to be easier said than done, and the front office has got their hands full. The free-agent pool for centers is very slim right now, and the draft’s best centers will likely be taken well before the Rams first pick (57th overall). Let’s take a look at the options the LA Rams have to replace Austin Blythe.