As the Detroit Lions get set for the 2024 season, an overlooked question revolves around the play of the offensive line. There was a subtle change made, with Jonah Jackson departing in free agency and Kevin Zeitler taking his place.
Will the 34-year old Zeitler be able to keep the Lions' line elite? There's nothing that suggests the answer is no, and some experts are already very bullish on the impact he can make right away.
ESPN previewed the 2024 season for every team, and when it came to a bold prediction for the Lions, Seth Walder highlighted Zeitler.
"Kevin Zeitler will finish in the top five in pass block win rate among guards. Zeitler signed a one-year, $6 million deal in the offseason -- incredible value in an otherwise expensive guard market -- and I believe it can pay off in a huge way. Zeitler is 34, but if he has one more good year left in him, that will add more strength to an already stout Lions offensive line."
With 181 career starts, there's little Zeitler hasn't seen and he's plenty capable as a run and pass blocker. It's easy to consider him an upgrade over Jackson, with Graham Glasgow moving to left guard after an excellent season at right guard last year.
Kevin Zeitler entering 2024 encouraged after first career Pro Bowl selection
Last season with the Ravens, in his 12th season in the league, Zeitler earned the first Pro Bowl selection of his career.
Speaking to Dannie Rogers of Lions.com after signing with Detroit, Zeitler said he feels good after finally earning a Pro Bowl honor and still has plenty of competitive fire at an older age.
"It was pretty cool. Took longer than I wanted to, but hey, it got done and it's a big shout out to my former teammates in Baltimore. Obviously, they helped raise my level of play and helped to get that part done. Right now, even though I'm 34, people are like 'what's an old guy like this doing?' I still love this game. I feel great. I'm excited to keep playing."
As long as Zeitler stays healthy, his signing should prove to be an all-around shrewd move by Brad Holmes. His impact won't make headlines or highlight reels, like the Lions' skill position players will, but that doesn't mean Zeitler won't be noticeable.