Dan Campbell Kevin Zeitler
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Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox called the Detroit Lions one of the best fits for veteran guard Kevin Zeitler.
The Detroit Lions didn’t bring back veteran guard Kevin Zeitler after he experienced a very strong 2024 campaign with the team. At the time, the decision made sense with the Lions prepared to shift Graham Glasgow to center and start two young guards.
But that ended up being the wrong decision. According to Pro Football Focus, the Lions were 13th in run blocking and 24th in pass protection last season.
The Lions, though, have the opportunity to right that wrong decision from last year. Zeitler is available yet again in NFL free agency.
On Saturday, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox called the Lions one of the two best fits for Zeitler next season.
“Even at 36, Kevin Zeitler remains one of the NFL’s more reliable interior linemen. He started all 16 games in which he appeared with the Titans this past season, and he played 92 percent of the offensive snaps in those contests,” wrote Knox.
“Pro Football Focus graded Zeitler 13th overall among all guards for the 2025 season.
“A return to Detroit, where Zeitler played in 2024, would make plenty of sense. The Lions struggled across the offensive line this past season, with Jared Goff taking a career-high 38 sacks.”
Zeitler started 16 games for the Lions during 2024. The team went 15-2 and led the league in points scored. The Lions were also ranked second in offensive yards.
During 2023, Zeitler made the Pro Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens.
Why the Lions Re-Signing Kevin Zeitler Makes Sense
The Lions made three moves to combat losing Zeitler and All-Pro center Frank Ragnow last year. In addition to shifting Glasgow inside, the Lions started rookie Tate Ratledge and second-year player Christian Mahogany at guard.
Ratledge mostly held his own, particularly in run blocking. But the Lions would benefit from Ratledge taking a step forward in pass protection during his second season.
Mahogany was also at least average in run blocking according to PFF. But he severely struggled in pass blocking.
The Lions are again transforming their offensive line this offseason. They parted ways with Glasgow and left tackle Taylor Decker.
In free agency, the Lions added center Cade Mays and right tackle Larry Borom. Both are set to start as long as the team also flips tackle Penei Sewell to left tackle.
Even with those moves, though, the Lions could benefit from adding a veteran guard such as Zeitler.
Granted, Zeitler isn’t a long-term solution. But the Lions have a roster capable of bouncing back significantly in 2026. Zeitler likely puts the team in better position to win immediately.
Zeitler began his NFL career as the No. 27 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. The Cincinnati Bengals took him in the first round.
Over his first five seasons, Zeitler started 71 games for the Bengals.
Since 2017, the guard has bounced around the league. But while he’s been unable to find a permanent home, he’s played well at every stop he’s made.
In his 14-year career, Zeitler has earned $101 million.
Where Would Zeitler Play for Lions in 2026?
Knox was the second analyst this week to argue the Lions should bring back Zeitler. NFL.com’s Nick Shook also urged the Lions to re-sign the veteran guard for 2026.
“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 reminderof 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 question, though, is would Zeitler be willing to move to left guard?
Zeitler has spent his entire career at right guard. In fact, he’s taken just two snaps at left guard in the NFL according to PFF.
If the Lions add a veteran guard this offseason, he should replace Mahogany at left guard.
Zeitler could return to Detroit to play right guard, and the Lions then could move Ratledge to left guard. But maybe that’s not ideal since Ratledge is only a second-year player.
Right and left guard are often considered interchangeable. Zeitler and/or Ratledge could be more than capable of making the switch.
But it’s something the Lions should take into account before they re-sign Zeitler.