Another Pro Bowl guard will take the place of the one the Detroit Lions have lost. Experienced offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler and the Lions have agreed to a one-year contract, as the Free Press has reported. The agreement was initially reported by ESPN.
Moving up to one of the NFL’s top offensive lines, Zeitler, 34, replaces Jonah Jackson. With the Los Angeles Rams, Jackson, 27, inked a free agent contract worth $51 million for three years.
Throughout his NFL career, Zeitler has played right guard, making stops with the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and, most recently, the Baltimore Ravens, where he was selected to his first Pro Bowl in lieu of Kansas City Chiefs guard Joe Thuney (who was unable to play due to the Super Bowl).
In 2021, Jackson was an alternate at the Pro Bowl.
Detroit Lions have plugged all holes in the squad
At the beginning of free agency, the Lions re-signed Graham Glasgow, their key starting right guard from the previous campaign, but they may rearrange their line-up in 2024. Glasgow is capable of filling any of the three interior line spots. Along with Frank Ragnow, the Lions also have back tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker at center.
After adding starting-caliber defensive linemen D.J. Reader and Marcus Davenport, cornerback Amik Robertson, and cornerback Carlton Davis via free agency, the Lions had one more open position at offensive guard.
With one of the most complete teams in the NFL going into 2024, the Lions should be the NFC’s favorite to win the Super Bowl.
The Lions boast an impressive offensive line that includes three Pro Bowl players in Zeitler, Sewell, and Ragnow; two running backs in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs who combined for nearly 2,000 yards last season; Amon-Ra St. Brown, one of the NFL’s best receivers; Sam LaPorta, a tight end who set the rookie reception record; and veteran quarterback Jared Goff, who is coming off one of his best seasons.
ESPN stated that Zeitler is anticipated to sign his contract on Tuesday and be in town for a physical.