Jaguars: Top 4 offensive guard targets in 2022 NFL free agency

No. 3 guard the Jaguars must target in 2022 free agency – Austin Blythe

Signing interior offensive lineman Austin Blythe in 2022 would be a low-key move that would give the Jaguars’ offensive line a big boost. The Iowa product signed a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason but hasn’t seen the field much due to the emergence of rooie center Creed Humphrey.

Blythe started only two games in his first two years in the NFL but went on to make 47 starts from 2018 to 2020. Originally a seventh-round selection by the Indianapolis Colts in 2016, he was waived before the start of the 2017 season and was promptly claimed by the Los Angeles Rams. The veteran offensive lineman has displayed the versatility to line up at both right guard and center throughout his career. That fact that won’t likely command a top-market salary next year will make him an enticing option in free agency.

Last year, Blythe inked a $3.9 million contract to stay in Los Angeles. This offseason, he signed a one-year deal worth $990,000 with the Chiefs. The Jaguars could sign him in free agency and have him compete with interior offensive lineman Ben Bartch for the starting job. They could also sign Blythe to a one-year contract and also use a draft pick on a guard prospect.

The bottom line is the Jaguars could sign Blythe next offseason and still have the flexibility to make more additions in either free agency or the draft.