Winter rye as mulch?

I planted a decent amount of winter rye last fall. Now that my spring planting is in gear I was wondering if I could chop it down and use as mulch instead of straw? Thank you

I don't see why not. Unless it has seed heads that you might spread where you don't want new plants to grow.

...And if it has seed heads, let the chickens loose on it...end of problem.

I have a section of pasture (heavy in clover) that I cut in May before seeds are viable to use as mulch in more managed portions of my food forest. This first cutting coincides nicely with the decline of rainfall. Elderberry, comfrey, lovage, and garden sorrel, and dock also make a nice perennial version. Grass mulch seems to have less of a smothering effect than broadleaf leaves.