The Detroit Lions addressed a key offseason need on their offensive line by signing veteran guard Kevin Zeitler to replace Jonah Jackson, who struggled significantly after joining the Los Angeles Rams in free agency. Zeitler has exceeded expectations in his first season with Detroit, earning stellar Pro Football Focus grades of 78.0 in pass blocking and 89.3 in run blocking. Over the season, he has allowed just three sacks and 11 pressures, solidifying his reputation as a reliable and effective lineman.
Given Zeitler’s strong performance, the Lions are likely to consider retaining him for the 2025 season. However, free agency always carries uncertainties, and Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine suggests Zeitler could draw interest from the Kansas City Chiefs if he tests the market. Ballentine notes that the Chiefs have struggled with young, inexperienced linemen this season, particularly at left tackle, where Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris have faltered, forcing the team to sign veteran D.J. Humphries as a temporary solution.
The Chiefs may soon face another challenge if starting guard Trey Smith departs in free agency. Smith’s impressive early career performance suggests he could command a significant contract in 2025, one that Kansas City might struggle to afford given their projected $21.8 million in cap space. In such a scenario, Zeitler could be an ideal short-term replacement, offering stability and veteran leadership while the team seeks a long-term solution.
However, the Chiefs would face stiff competition for Zeitler’s services. The Lions, with $62 million in projected cap space for 2025, are in a stronger financial position to retain him. Additionally, other NFL teams in need of a reliable guard are likely to express interest, given the high demand for quality offensive linemen across the league.
For Kansas City, Zeitler would provide an excellent bridge option, helping maintain continuity on the offensive line in the event of Smith’s departure. But securing him will be a challenging task in a competitive market. Similarly, for the Lions, keeping Zeitler could be crucial in sustaining the strong performance of their offensive line, which has been a cornerstone of their success in 2024. The battle for Zeitler’s signature will likely be one of the more intriguing storylines in the upcoming free agency period.
