Chiefs Chop Ex-Vikings Defender

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detailed view of a Kansas City Chiefs helmet in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Like 31 other teams, the Kansas City Chiefs are in the process of finalizing a 90-man roster for the summer, with training camp about two and a half months away.

Chiefs Chop Ex-Vikings Defender

Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Lynch figured to be a part of the Chiefs’ summer activities, but Kansas City hit him with the news this week that he’ll hit the free-agent market.

LB Blake Lynch Out in Kansas City

NBC Sports‘ 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.”

Sep 19, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Minnesota linebacker Blake Lynch (48) in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports,

Unless the Chiefs re-add Lynch later this summer, his time in Kansas City lasted about four months. The Chiefs actually re-signed him in March, but the move did not have staying power.

Previous Tours with Raiders, Chargers

The Seahawks signed Lynch last summer before his stint with the Chiefs.

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.”

Jan 3, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Minnesota cornerback Harrison Hand (38) shakes hands with Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Lynch (48) before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports.

Lynch then signed with the Los Angeles Chargers after the Seahawks release but only stuck around for three weeks until another roster cut. The Chiefs scooped him about six weeks later, and he remained in their roster orbit until Kansas City’s unfortunate Super Bowl beatdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Lynch’s NFL Resume

Here’s Lynch’s full NFL resume through five seasons:

Minnesota Vikings (2020–2021)

Arizona Cardinals (2022–2023)

Los Angeles Chargers (2023)

Seattle Seahawks (2024)

Los Angeles Chargers (2024)

Las Vegas Raiders (2024)

Kansas City Chiefs (2024)

Career with Vikings

Lynch was an undrafted free agent find by former Vikings general manager 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.

Dec 5, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89) makes a catch against Minnesota outside linebacker Blake Lynch (48) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-Imagn Images.

When general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach 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.

Nov 21, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota outside linebacker Blake Lynch (48) kneels before the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

A practice squad or UFL fate is likely.