Dan Campbell Kevin Zeitler
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NFL.com's Nick Shook argued Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions should bring back guard Kevin Zeitler to help fix the offensive line.
One of the biggest strengths for the Detroit Lions from 2023-24 turned into a weakness last season — the offensive line. The unit couldn’t overcome two losses along the interior of the offensive line and some aging at left tackle.
The Lions have begun taking steps to fixing the line this offseason. Another big step the team could take to upgrading the line is bringing back one of those departed interior linemen — Kevin Zeitler.
NFL.com’s Nick Shook argued Wednesday the Lions are the best landing spot for the veteran guard.
“In 2024, the Lions had a top-five O-line, per Pro Football Focus, with Zeitler starting at right guard,” wrote Shook. “Then they let him walk — and received a strong reminder of the importance of offensive line depth, slipping to 12th in PFF’s rankings without Zeitler and the retired Frank Ragnow.
“They shouldn’t allow themselves to be caught short again. The unit’s performance is especially crucial to their chances of success, and they cannot afford to disappoint for a second straight season. Zeitler can return to Detroit and battle for one of the two starting guard spots (watch out, Christian Mahogany).”
Zeitler is a free agent again this offseason after having spent the 2025 campaign with the Tennessee Titans.
Over his 14-year career, Zeitler has earned about $101.06 million according to Spotrac.
Why the Lions Should Bring Back Kevin Zeitler
Bringing back Zeitler could correct a mistake the Lions made a year ago.
Zeitler didn’t make the Pro Bowl or receive any other post-season accolades during his one season in Detroit. But he was a tremendous part in one of the top offensive line groups around the league.
Behind that line, the Lions went 15-2 during 2024, posting the best record in the league.
According to Pro Football Focus, Zeitler was an elite guard for the Lions in 2024. He wasn’t as strong in 2025, but he still have very good grades across the board.
At 36 years old, Zeitler isn’t a long-term solution for Detroit. If the Lions have a guard they are ready to develop and play, Zeitler could potentially block (no pun intended) that prospect from playing.
But the Lions have the offensive pieces to win right now if they can repair their line quickly. Zeitler is one of the safest ways Detroit can add quality along the interior of the offensive line.
The 36-year-old guard has started 213 contests in his NFL career. In addition to the Lions and Titans, he’s played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens.
Lions Interior Offensive Line Depth
Shook mentioned Christian Mahogany as a young guard to keep an eye on for the Lions this season. Detroit drafted Mahogany at No. 210 overall in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Tate Ratledge is another interior lineman the Lions are hoping to development. The team landed him at No. 57 overall in the second round last year.
To bolster their offensive line interior, the Lions also added Cade Mays and Juice Scruggs this offseason.
As previously mentioned, the Lions might prefer to start Mahogany and Ratledge at guard. Both have upside beyond just 2026.
But even if each of those young guards each starting jobs this fall, Zeitler could have a role in Detroit.
“If Zeitler loses the camp battle, he can hang around as a reliable veteran option in the event injury strikes,” Shook wrote. “At 36 years old, he should fit nicely with the Lions’ remaining cap space, too.”