Kevin Zeitler Strengthens Lions’ Offensive Line
The importance of maintaining Detroit’s offensive line was emphasized by Lions GM Brad Holmes during his end-of-the-season news conference. Holmes acknowledged that the offensive line played a crucial role in protecting the quarterback and running the football effectively. He assured that the offensive line would not be overlooked and would continue to be a point of emphasis.
True to his word, Holmes took immediate action to strengthen the offensive line after losing one starting guard, Jonah Jackson. The Lions quickly turned their attention to signing former Ravens guard Kevin Zeitler to a one-year deal. This move aims to keep the offensive line as a strength for the team.
For the Lions, everything offensively starts with their offensive line. It is considered one of the better units in the league, providing protection for quarterback Jared Goff and creating opportunities for their talented backfield featuring Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. However, with the departure of Jackson, the Lions needed a guard to fill the void. The team was unable to match the three-year, $51 million contract offered by the Los Angeles Rams, leading them to let Jackson go.
Despite the loss of Jackson, the Lions still have four out of five starters from their offensive line returning, including guard Graham Glasgow. Signing Zeitler allows the Lions to have an immediate plug-and-play starter at guard. This move also gives them flexibility in the upcoming draft, enabling them to choose the best player available without relying on a rookie to perform at a high level right away.
Zeitler, ranked No. 31 on The Athletic’s list of top 150 free agents, has been a consistent presence since being drafted as the No. 27 pick in 2012. He has consistently played over 750 snaps each year and has received high marks from Pro Football Focus. In 2023, Zeitler earned his first Pro Bowl selection and ranked second among all guards in PFF’s pass-blocking grade. He is a capable guard who can thrive alongside center Frank Ragnow and the Lions’ talented tackles, Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell. Signing Zeitler allows the Lions to potentially draft a young offensive lineman in April’s draft while having Zeitler serve as a stopgap.
The contract details for Zeitler have not been announced, but the Lions had approximately $31 million in cap space before his signing. They have managed their cap effectively and have even reworked the contracts of other players to lower their 2024 cap hits. This puts them in a healthy financial situation compared to other teams in the league.
Overall, this move to sign Zeitler aligns with the Lions’ goal of getting over the hump and improving their 2024 outlook. Losing Jackson was a setback, but the addition of Zeitler allows the Lions to maintain the standard set by their elite offensive line last year. It also brings another veteran presence to the locker room. The Lions are poised to repeat as division winners and make a run for the Super Bowl with this quality addition to their offensive line.