Early in the season, the Jacksonville Jaguars had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. However, the group has struggled to open lanes in the running game and protect Trevor Lawrence. In fact, the Jags lost to the Seattle Seahawks in part due to their inability to block up front.
And just before their game against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7, Jacksonville added reinforcements to the practice squad.
The Jaguars are signing Kilian Zeirer to the practice squad
After traveling to London, the Jaguars announced that they're signing offensive tackle Kilian Zeirer to their practice squad. They aren't currently in dire need of depth in the trenches, but that didn't stop them from adding insurance.
Zierer is part of the NFL's International Player Pathway Program. A Germany native, he played for several local teams before committing to Auburn. He worked his way up the Tigers depth chart and started 12 games as a senior in 2022. He played well enough to get an invite to the East-West Shrine Bowl in 2023 but ultimately went undrafted that year.
The Houston Texans then signed Zierer as an undrafted free agent in 2023, but he had to sit out the season after landing on the Injured Reserve with a sprained ankle.
In 2024, Zierer got an international player exemption with the Texans. He didn't make their 53-man roster and spent the season in their practice squad. Zierer then joined the Atlanta Falcons early in 2025 but was waived in August. He was claimed by the Cleveland Browns not long after but was released on cutdown day.
Zaierer then spent time with the San Francisco 49ers practice squad, and the Jaguars locked him up right after they released him.
How does the Kilian Zairer impact the Jaguars?
Barring injuries, it's hard to see Kilian Zairer getting playing time with the Jaguars this season. Then again, he could be an intriguing developmental prospect, and it doesn't hurt to kick the tires on him and see what he brings to the table. And although the offensive line is an area of need, it's hard to see Jacksonville making any meaningful additions before the trade deadline. Instead, expect the group to focus on execution or perhaps make a few personnel tweaks in an effort to turn things around.
The past two weeks, the Jags have surrendered a concerning 67 total pressures and 10 sacks. On top of that, they haven't been able to get the run going, logging a combined 168 yards in that snap. Their struggles have stemmed from a lack of execution and miscommunication, so expect the coaching staff to put an emphasis on both areas ahead of the London game.
Ultimately, the Kilian Zairer won't move the needle right now but could pay off down the road.