The Detroit Lions came into the offseason with over 30 of their own free agents, but were lucky enough to not have a ton of starters that were hitting the open market. Still, if there was one player that the Lions needed to retain, it was starting right guard Kevin Zeitler.
Sadly, they were not able to do that this week as he signed a one-year deal worth $9 million to go play for the Titans and be close to family.
Zeitler signed with the Lions in the last free agency cycle when the team lost Jonah Jackson to the Los Angeles Rams. Zeitler wound up being an immediate upgrade from Jackson and played very well all year long. Pro Football Focus had him as their fifth highest graded guard in the NFL last year with an 86.8 grade. He allowed just 18 pressures and five sacks.
Zeitler got injured in the Week 18 win over the Vikings and missed the playoff loss to the Commanders, but Lions GM Brad Holmes made it known later that week that the Lions had already begun talks with Zeitler. They just weren’t able to get anything done.
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The Lions are in an interesting position with their guards now. Graham Glasgow had a down season in 2024 and rookie Christian Mahogany looked really good when he stepped in as a relief guy. The belief right now is that Mahogany could take the starting job Zeitler is leaving behind. We’ll see if the Lions attack guard in the draft or look to sign someone in free agency. This a tough loss
