12-year veteran guard Kevin Zeitler signed a new contract with the Detroit Lions. Zeitler, a former first-round pick, spent the 2023 season with the Baltimore Ravens but has also played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants.
Former Ravens Pro-Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler intends to sign a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions, per source. Zeitler is flying to Detroit tonight to take a physical with the plan to sign Tuesday with the Lions. pic.twitter.com/7GdExwQhGv
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2024
Kevin Zeitler, Detroit Lions, Agree to Contract
Despite having a stellar career, the 2023 season marked the first time Kevin Zeitler earned a spot in the Pro Bowl. This was well overdue, as the offensive lineman had yet another strong season protecting Lamar Jackson. Starting and appearing in 15 games, the offensive lineman finished the season with a 71.6 PFF grade, the 15th-best mark among 79 guards. The Ravens themselves had an equally strong season, finishing with the best record in the AFC and making it all the way to the AFC Championship Game before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kevin Zeitler originally entered the NFL as a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Selected by the Cincinnati Bengals, the Wisconsin product immediately earned a starting job of the offensive line. As part of one of the better offensive lines in the game, Zeitler started all 16 games while helping guide the team to the playoffs.
Kevin Zeitler remained Cincinnati’s primary starting guard throughout his rookie season. However, after the 2016 season, the offensive lineman signed a new deal with the divisional rival Cleveland Browns. Zeitler maintained his high level of play before, but these teams were unable to make it to the playoffs.
After that, Kevin Zeitler signed a new contract with the New York Giants. Starting and appearing in 31 of a possible 32 games, the right guard helped keep Daniel Jones upright, but was still unable to secure that elusive first playoff win.
Following the 2020 campaign, Zeiter returned to the AFC North to join the Baltimore Ravens. The longtime veteran spent three years with Baltimore, appearing in 49 of a possible 51 games while helping create one of the best offensive lines in the game.
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez – USA Today Sports
