The Detroit Lions have a pivotal offseason on the horizon, as general manager Brad Holmes will look to bolster a roster that suffered a shocking divisional round defeat to the Washington Commanders as the No.1 seed in the NFC.

The Lions will look to acquire some impact players this offseason, but the team also has some key players who will hit unrestricted free agency, including starting right guard Kevin Zeitler. The veteran signed a one-year deal with Detroit last offseason and was one of the best interior offensive linemen in football this year.

Zeitler should have a competitive market in free agency, and Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron believes the Minnesota Vikings are the top landing spot for the former Pro Bowl guard.

“Zeitler will be 35 years old when he hits the open market, but his long track record of sustained success across multiple franchises should warrant looks from decision-makers,” Cameron wrote.

“The Vikings need all the help they can muster to halt the constant flow of interior pressure they experienced in 2024, having allowed the highest interior pressure rate (18.8%) in the NFL,” Cameron added.

Zeitler started 16 games for the Lions in 2024, and though he allowed five sacks, the 34-year-old surrendered just 18 total pressures on 577 pass-blocking snaps. The 2012 first-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals also posted an 87.2 run-blocking grade, which ranked third among guards in the NFL.

The Vikings got exceptional play from starting right guard Dalton Risner this season, but the 29-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. If Minnesota loses Risner, replacing him with Zeitler would be a savvy move from general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

Detroit should look to retain their reliable and battle-tested right guard in free agency, but if Zeitler departs the Motor City this offseason, the Vikings could be one of the top teams vying for the veteran’s services if they don’t re-sign Risner.