Rams Sign Starting OL Austin Blythe to 1-Year Contract in NFL Free Agency

The Los Angeles Rams announced they agreed to re-sign offensive lineman Austin Blythe on Wednesday to a one-year deal. 

Blythe offers the Rams versatility, as he's played both guard positions, starting last season at right guard before moving to center in Week 10 when Brian Allen was lost for the year with a knee injury.

Blythe has been a starter the past two seasons, and his versatility on the interior gives the Rams options, even if injuries strike. In Allen, Joseph Noteboom, David Edwards and Bobby Evans, the Rams have interior depth to work with. 

Blythe played particularly well once he moved to center, though he did have weaknesses last year:

It's been a period of turnover for the Rams, namely on defense, with Michael Brockers (Baltimore) and Cory Littleton (Oakland) signing elsewhere and the team's declining Nickell Robey-Coleman's option.

Up next on the agenda for the Rams offensive line will be negotiating a deal with left tackle Andrew Whitworth, who is eschewing retirement for another year and has expressed a desire to return to L.A.

"For me, I think that's obviously my wish, is to stay in Los Angeles and continue with the Rams," he said on SiriusXM NFL Radio in February, per Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire. "I just think there's a lot there that I have left to do in leadership and play and everything else. If it works out, great. And if there's another opportunity somewhere else, I'll be ready."