Detroit Lions Lose Key Starter as Kevin Zeitler Signs with the Titans

A Costly Loss in Free Agency

The Detroit Lions entered the offseason with a long list of free agents but were fortunate that most of their key starters weren’t set to hit the open market. However, one player they absolutely needed to retain was starting right guard Kevin Zeitler. Unfortunately for the Lions, they were unable to do so, as Zeitler opted to sign a one-year, $9 million deal with the Tennessee Titans to be closer to his family.

A Short but Impactful Tenure in Detroit

Zeitler joined the Lions last offseason after the team lost Jonah Jackson to the Los Angeles Rams. Despite being a late addition, he quickly proved to be a massive upgrade. His performance throughout the 2023 season was outstanding, earning him an 86.8 grade from Pro Football Focus—ranking him as the fifth-best guard in the NFL. He allowed just 18 pressures and five sacks, providing stability and veteran leadership on the Lions’ offensive line.

Injury Setback and Contract Negotiations

Zeitler’s season ended on a frustrating note when he suffered an injury in the Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings, causing him to miss Detroit’s playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. Despite that setback, Lions general manager Brad Holmes had already started negotiations to keep Zeitler in Detroit. However, those talks ultimately did not lead to a deal, and Zeitler made the tough decision to move on.

The Lions’ Options Moving Forward

With Zeitler gone, the Lions now face an intriguing situation on the offensive line. Veteran Graham Glasgow struggled in 2024, while rookie Christian Mahogany showed promise when stepping in as a backup. Many believe Mahogany is the frontrunner to take over Zeitler’s starting role, but the Lions could also look to address the position through free agency or the upcoming NFL Draft.

A Tough Loss for a Contending Team

Losing a high-caliber guard like Zeitler is a significant blow for Detroit, especially as they aim to build upon their recent success. His presence provided consistency on the offensive line, and replacing that won’t be easy. Now, all eyes are on the Lions’ front office to see how they respond to this unexpected departure.