Charean Williams wrote Saturday, “The Chiefs needed roster spots to sign 16 undrafted free agents. To that end, the team waived defensive end BJ Thompson and released linebacker Blake Lynch, Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest reports. Thompson will revert to the Chiefs’ injured reserve if he clears waivers, allowing him to continue his rehab. Thompson, a fifth-round pick in 2023, was in a special teams meeting at the team facility last June when he had a seizure and went into cardiac arrest. He spent last season on the non-football illness list.”

“He appeared in one game during his rookie season, making two tackles in 28 defensive snaps and 16 on special teams. Lynch played one game with the Chiefs last season, seeing action on 25 defensive snaps and 22 on special teams. He made six tackles.”

John Boyle noted on his career bio: “Lynch, 27, came into the league as an undrafted free agent out of Baylor in 2020, signing with the Vikings. In two seasons with the Vikings, Lynch appeared in 20 games, starting seven, then was waived by the Vikings prior to the 2022 season. Lynch then spent part of 2022 on Arizona’s practice squad, then signed with the Chargers last summer, appearing in seven games while splitting time between the active roster and practice squad.”

“At Baylor, Lynch was an All-Big 12 honorable mention selection as a senior, starting all 14 games and recording 68 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Over the course of his college career, Lynch started games at five different positions, playing linebacker, cornerback, safety, running back and receiver.”

Rick Spielman following the 2020 NFL Draft. He eventually made the 53-man roster and was at the peak of his powers in 2021, appearing in 16 regular season games, with 218 defensive snaps and 342 on special teams.

Kevin O’Connell arrived in 2022, though, Lynch was not a priority to retain, and he joined the Cardinals soon thereafter.

All told, Lynch has played 29 NFL games, starting 7 and totaling 57 tackles, 3 passes defended, and 2 sacks.

What’s Next for Lynch?

Lynch turned 28 in February, so he’s not old by NFL standards. Because of his special teams ability, some franchise will likely offer him an audition at a roster spot this summer.

Vikings Named a Landing Spot for Top Free Agent