Austin Blythe was a valuable piece of the Rams’ offensive line in 2018, taking over as the starting right guard when Jamon Brown was serving his suspension. He never relinquished the job and Brown was later released, with Blythe establishing himself as a quality starting guard.

That wasn’t the case in 2019, though. He struggled out of the gates, as the rest of the offensive line did, too. This offseason, Blythe will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time, giving him options for the 2020 season.

The Rams need help at guard and center, so he’ll certainly be on their radar in free agency. It just remains to be seen if they feel he contributes enough to re-sign, or if they’re better off keeping David Edwards at right guard instead.

2019 stats: 996 snaps played, 3 penalties, 2 sacks allowed
PFF grade: 50.5 overall

Analysis

Blythe wasn’t very good last season. He was getting pushed back in the running game and had trouble opening up lanes for Todd Gurley, while also giving up too much pressure in pass protection. It didn’t help that Brian Allen was one of the worst centers in football and Rob Havenstein regressed significantly, but Blythe can’t blame those factors for his poor play.

When Allen landed on IR with an MCL injury, Blythe moved from guard to center. That switch actually led to better play out of Blythe, getting back to his more natural position in the middle. He still fell short of expectations, but he was a better center than guard.

Blythe’s versatility was valuable to the Rams, though. His ability to slide over from guard to center made it easier for the offensive line to overcome injuries to Allen and Joseph Noteboom.

That may not be enough to keep him on the roster, but it does provide value.

Positional need: High

The Rams desperately need help on the offensive line. They don’t necessarily need to add depth, but rather top-level talent. Unfortunately, finding that in the draft (without a first-round pick) or in free agency (with limited cap space) will be extremely difficult.

It’s unlikely, but it’s possible the Rams will have new starters at four positions up front in 2020. Andrew Whitworth isn’t certain to return, Noteboom may not stay at left guard, Allen could be relegated to a backup role, Blythe may leave in free agency and Rob Havenstein could be dangled as trade bait.

So yes, the O-line is a big concern heading into 2020 after the disastrous season the Rams just had, with a lot of uncertainty facing the current group.

Prediction: Signs one-year, $1.5 million deal with Rams

(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

Blythe may not be a surefire starter, but he’s still valuable to Los Angeles thanks to his position flexibility. The Rams should try to keep him around at a relatively low price, allowing him to compete with Edwards, Allen and Austin Corbett for a starting job next season.

I think they will bring him back on a one-year deal for about $1.5 million, which comes with incentives for playing time. He made around $2 million in 2019, so this will keep his cap hit at a manageable number.

But if he believes he can get more elsewhere, don’t be surprised if Blythe tests the waters in free agency.

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