Journeyman Ex-Viking Lands with 7th NFL Team

Aug 27, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Blake Bell (81) scores a touchdown as Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Lynch (48) makes the tackle during the first quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

If you turn back on the clock on the Minnesota Vikings’ defense, ardent fans might remember the name of linebacker Blake Lynch.

A former Vikings linebacker has signed with his seventh NFL team, continuing a well-traveled career that spans multiple franchises and seasons. The latest.

Since departing the purple team after the 2021 campaign, Lynch has shapeshifted into a total journeyman, and his resume became more expansive this week, landing with the Tennessee Titans.

Lynch is a Titan, at least for the next couple of weeks.

Titans Sign Former Vikings LB

Lynch continues his wayward NFL journey.

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Lynch (48) is shown during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals on Sep 19, 2021, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Lynch contributed to the Vikings’ defensive efforts during the early portion of the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports.

LB Blake Lynch to the Titans

Evidently needing inside linebacking depth, Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi signed Lynch this week.

NBC Sports‘ Josh Alper announced the moves, “The Titans shuffled their linebacker corps on Tuesday morning. They announced the signings of Khaleke Hudson and Blake Lynch. They waived linebackers David Gbenda and Anfernee Orji to make room on the 90-man roster. Orji’s departure comes with an injury designation.”

Lynch will now vie for a roster spot, which will be determined on August 26th.

The Titans’ ILB Group

With two preseason games left — one against the Vikings — Titans head coach Brian Callahan has these off-ball linebackers at his disposal:

Cody Barton

James Williams Sr.

Cedric Gray

Oluwafemi Oladejo

Jaylen Harrell

Curtis Jacobs

Khaleke Hudson

Blake Lynch

Tennessee will likely keep four of five of those players on the September roster, so Lynch must fight like hell to claw his way up the depth chart.

Lynch’s Time with the Vikings

Minnesota pulled Lynch off the undrafted free-agent wire in 2020, and he promptly gained some staying power in Mike Zimmer’s scheme.

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Lynch (48) catches a pass during practice on Aug 28, 2020, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota. The undrafted rookie was competing for a roster spot amid the unique circumstances of the 2020 season. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

He played 20 games in purple and gold, with 7 starts, and most notably saw action in 16 games during the 2021 campaign. Zimmer used the 6’3″ 225-pounder mainly on special teams during his stay in the Twin Cities.

When Kevin O’Connell arrived in 2022, Lynch was not a priority to re-sign. He then began his ricochet around the business, with this current resume:

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)

Tennessee Titans (2025–now)

Lynch has banked 57 total tackles in his career and 2 sacks.

Realistic 2025 Outlook

While anything is possible due to injuries and whatnot, Lynch is probably facing a roster cut on August 26th.

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

His upside could be a practice squad assignment, at which time he’d be one injury or call-up away from regular season duty. He played 47 total snaps in 2024, a tiny sum.