The Detroit Lions have been active in free agency, making strategic moves to strengthen their roster on offense and defense. With a goal to enhance their performance, the team is making calculated decisions to build upon their success from last season, where they won two playoff games in a single postseason.
Amid their efforts to fortify their lineup, the Lions faced a setback with the retirement announcement of veteran player Tracy Walker III. Nevertheless, they have quickly shifted their focus to potential acquisitions, particularly targeting Kevin Zeitler, given his impressive performances last season.
Is Kevin Zeitler going to sign with the Lions?
Kevin Zeitler is set to make a move to the Lions, according to reports from Adam Schefter. The deal is expected to be a one-year contract, with Zeitler scheduled to undergo a physical in Detroit before officially signing with the team on Tuesday.
While details of the agreement have not been officially announced, a source familiar with the situation confirmed to the Associated Press that Zeitler has already agreed to join the Lions on a one-year deal. The move comes as the Lions seek to bolster their offensive line ahead of the upcoming season. As he enters the later stages of his career, it’s expected that he will seek a worthy deal.
The 34-year-old has long been regarded as one of the most underrated offensive linemen in the league. With over a decade of experience under his belt, he is now expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to his new team in Detroit. His arrival in Detroit fills the gap left by Jonah Jackson, who recently signed with the Los Angeles Rams.
Zeitler’s career has seen him excel with multiple teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and most recently, the Baltimore Ravens.
Throughout his 12-year career, he has been a consistent force in pass protection, starting a total of 181 games. He has proven himself to be one of the premier pass-blocking right guards in the league since his debut with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2012.
Meanwhile, both Zeitler and the Ravens are seemingly ready for a change after three seasons together, regardless of their success together.
Kevin Zeitler 2023 NFL season in numbers
Kevin Zeitler battled through knee and quad injuries in the latter part of the previous season, yet he managed to deliver a commendable performance on the field. The vet defensive lineman wrapped up an impressive 93.8% pass block win rate, ranking 10th among guards.
Additionally, he allowed just six sacks. His run-block win rate stood at 61.8%, placing him 25th among guards in the league.
After enduring a dozen years in the NFL, his perseverance finally paid off when he earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2023. The support of Baltimore Ravens fans and a stroke of luck propelled him across the finish line.
The defensive lineman has amassed an impressive resume over his 12-year career. With 12,263 snaps under his belt, he holds the record for the most snaps played by an offensive lineman since entering the league as the 27th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Remarkably, he has participated in 91.9% of his teams’ offensive snaps throughout his career.
How will Kevil Zeitler perform with the Lions? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
