The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to lose young star linebacker Nick Bolton in free agency next week. The 24-year-old has proved to be a consistent playmaker over the first four years of his career and is projected to receive a lucrative, long-term contract this offseason. Therefore, Kansas City will have a huge hole in the middle of their defense.
Luckily, the Chiefs already have Leo Chenal, who has proven to be effective in the past two seasons, on their roster. While Chenal is the clear replacement, Kansas City must have multiple options at linebacker. Ahead of free agency next week, the Chiefs added a familiar face to their linebacker room.
According to Pro Football Talk, Kansas City re-signed linebacker Blake Lynch. The journeyman linebacker joined the Chiefs for their Week 18 game against the Denver Broncos this season.
Chiefs re-sign LB Blake Lynch. https://t.co/7XsI5OpBKl
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 4, 2025
Chiefs Bring Back Blake Lynch as Linebacker Depth
In Week 18, Lynch recorded six tackles and one tackle for loss. Although that's decent production, Lynch wasn't needed past Week 18, so he was released before the playoff run.
Prior to his one game in Kansas City, Lynch played for the Los Angeles Chargers (2023-2024) and the Minnesota Vikings (2020). The 27-year-old linebacker started his career as an undrafted player with the Vikings. In Minnesota, Lynch recorded 47 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception in 20 games.
The next time Lynch saw the field was with the Chargers in 2023. During his time in Los Angeles, Lynch recorded only four tackles in eight games. Even though Lynch is yet to prove he can be a productive starter, his addition at least provides him a chance to make the roster in 2025.
Ultimately, this signing is a low-risk addition for a team trying to reload and make another Super Bowl run in 2025.