Chiefs Release Zimmer Era Linebacker
Mike Zimmer was let go early in the 2022 offseason, right after his team failed to reach the postseason in back-to-back years. The Vikings were a solid team for most of his tenure, and they were never in contention for a top-notch draft pick. Some of his defenses were straight-up scary.
Chiefs Release Zimmer Era Linebacker
Those defenses featured standouts like Everson Griffen, Danielle Hunter, Xavier Rhodes, and, of course, Harrison Smith. Legendary is his patented double-A blitz with Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr.
In the last two seasons under Zimmer, his unit couldn’t replicate earlier success due to some key components’ exit and other defenders meeting Father Time. Failing to find replacements in the draft didn’t help.
Blake Lynch, the main character of this article, played for the team in those two seasons. He benefited from the lack of depth and the injuries to top guys and was suddenly asked to play significant snaps.
Fast forward a few years, and the Chiefs just axed the experienced special teamer and depth player.
Matt Derrick, Chiefs Digest, reported, “To free up roster spots for undrafted free agents, the Chiefs waived DE B.J. Thompson and released LB Blake Lynch.”
The Vikings made comparable moves ahead of the draft when they parted ways with offensive tackle Trevor Reid and special-teams player NaJee Thompson.
Derrick wrote: “For the 28-year-old Lynch, this was his second stint with the Chiefs after signing a free agent contract on March 3. He initially signed with the club’s practice squad Dec. 30, and was elevated to the active roster to play in the Week 18 season finale at Denver only six days later. He picked up six combined tackles in the game, including one for a loss, while playing 25 defensive snaps and 22 special teams snaps. The Chiefs released him from the practice squad Jan. 7.”
Lynch has been battling for spots on practice squads or 53-man rosters ever since the Vikings moved on from him in August of 2022. He has had stints with the Cardinals, Chargers, Seahawks, Raiders, and Chiefs.
Derrick noted that he might come back after rookie minicamp: “It’s possible Lynch could return to the Chiefs upon the completion of the rookie minicamp on Monday, depending on how many of the undrafted free agents the club opts to keep on the 90-player roster. As an NFL veteran with three years of experience, Lynch becomes a free agent immediately and does not need to pass through waivers. He’s free to sign immediately with any NFL team.”
Lynch came into the league as an undrafted rookie out of Baylor. The Vikings scooped him up, but he failed to make the initial 53-man roster and had to settle for a practice squad spot. Later that year, Lynch made his NFL debut.
In two years with the Vikings, Lynch played in 20 games with seven starts. He logged 47 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception, playing 295 defensive snaps and 403 on special teams. The new regime cut Lynch after the preseason.
Since then, he hasn’t been nearly as productive. In those four seasons away from the Vikings, he played in nine games, 173 reps on special teams, and 25 on defense.
Lynch turned 28 earlier this year and is now looking for a job. There’s a chance someone will give him an audition. Teams always look for experienced special teams help and depth.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.