The Detroit Lions are back in the process of signing players after a few days without one. ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed on Monday that Kevin Zeitler would sign a one-year contract with the Lions on Tuesday, subject to a physical. The contract reportedly includes a $6 million basis, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, but no additional information has been made public as of yet. Guard Jonah Jackson, who signed with the Los Angeles Rams, is replaced by Zeitler; however, Graham Glasgow will return to left guard and Zeitler will play right guard.
With the addition of defensive lineman DJ Reader last week, the Lions concluded their first week of free agency. The majority of Lions supporters believed it was the last big play the
Zeitler was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Following five successful seasons with the Bengals, Zeitler spent two seasons as a member of the Cleveland Browns, followed by a similar stint with the New York Giants, and finally spent the final three seasons as a member of the Baltimore Ravens.
Let’s examine how Zeitler’s signing with the Lions improves Detroit’s offensive line, alters their overall draft strategy, and moves the team closer to a Super Bowl berth and potential title.
Surprisingly, Zeitler is among the NFL’s finest guards coming off of his first Pro Bowl season. Even though Zeitler plays guard instead of left guard as Jackson does, Zeitler is an immediate improvement over Jackson, and the signing of Zeitler by the Lions was a wise choice. Zeitler’s ability to maintain his health is one of his best assets. If you have been a Lions fan for the past several years, you are aware that the offensive line has seldom played at its peak due to injuries that forced backups to fill in. Zeitler has only missed 12 games in his career since being selected in the 2012 NBA Draft.
Zeitler was 15th in the PFF rankings for guards who played at least 20 percent of the plays last season.
20% of shots with a 71.6 grade. With an 82.5 in pass blocking, he was placed second; however, his run blocking performance was less impressive, receiving a 62.4, which matched him for 27th place.
His history of PFF grades has been quite strong generally; 2020 was his poorest year, with a rating of 65.9. His grades outside of 2020 have ranged from 71.6 to 88. Zeitler is a more effective pass blocker than a back.
