The Detroit Lions have finished the heavy lifting of their offseason, and with the busy part of free agency and the draft in the rear-view mirror, the franchise will begin to ponder what next season looks like.
One of the spots the Lions upgraded the most was the offensive line. After a dismal 2025 season, the Lions welcomed center Cade Mays into the mix, as well as tackle Larry Borom, guard Juice Scruggs and tackle Blake Miller. All of those players figure to have a role in reshaping the group.
In addition, the Lions will be counting on big seasons from key holdover guards Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany. While Ratledge feels like a lock to keep growing, the jury is out on Mahogany, which could leave the Lions in need of another veteran up front.
Perhaps enter an old friend in the form of Kevin Zeitler. The former Detroit guard remains on the market just a year after departing the Motor City for the Tennessee Titans, and his return could make sense to some. Bleacher Report writer Alex Kay revealed some surprise free agents left on the market, and still likes Zeitler's fit with the Lions thanks to what he brings to the table.
"Zeitler particularly excelled in pass protection during his time in the Music City. He rated inside the top 10 at his position with a 75.4 PFF pass-blocking grade, allowing just 16 total pressures across 590 pass block snaps. Although he's not as well-regarded as a run-blocker, PFF still scored him as a top-20 performer in that department."
"Zeitler isn't the most athletic player but he wins in the trenches with immense power and physicality. His ability to take on hulking defensive tackles is a major asset, helping keep a clean pocket and shutting down the interior rush."
"Any club seeking to bolster the guard position should have Zeitler atop their list of candidates. Whether a team is looking to protect a young developmental quarterback or add another proven piece to a Super Bowl-caliber lineup, this veteran fits the bill."
The Lions are well aware of what Zeitler can provide, because he played quality snaps for the franchise in 2024. Back then, Mahogany wasn't ready to start yet, and Detroit got a solid season from Zeitler. Two years later, however, the game seems to have significantly changed for the Lions and their approach.
Brad Holmes may not want to pursue Zeitler unless emergency arises
While the addition of another veteran up front might make sense to pundits and fans, the fact is, Detroit might not be in a position to make another strategic addition on the front line. The reason? This offseason, the Lions could be relying on a youth movement.
Following the selection of Miller in the draft, Holmes was asked to break down where the Lions are at up front. As he said, he is very excited by the direction the franchise has taken in getting younger at some key positions to develop new stars.
"What fires you up is we definitely got younger and I think that's going to be big going forward for our future and the importance of that position as a whole. When you start getting in that cycle of trying to find a younger, talented offensive tackle or you could even throw (in) guard (or) center, those guys are hard to find. I would say now these guys can be grown and molded to what we believe. They already have the intangible qualities, but we're really excited about the youth injection. It kind of started last year and then we just continued it."
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In short, it doesn't seem like the Lions are going to prioritize signing a player like Zeitler to start over a player like Mahogany. If there's an offseason or training camp injury, that could certainly change the game for Detroit, and they could pivot to a veteran that is left on the market.
While Zeitler might be the more known commodity, the Lions feel more likely to see what they have from the youngsters they are banking on this season.
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