By Sunday 
Detroit’s front office weighs internal options and potential additions to fill Zeitler-sized gap
The Detroit Lions find themselves at a familiar crossroads — restocking the trenches. With veteran guard Kevin Zeitler moving on to Tennessee after a standout campaign, head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes are exploring every possible path to reinforce the offensive line.
And they’re not rushing into anything.
Zeitler’s Departure Leaves Big Shoes (and Big Blocks) Behind
Zeitler’s 2023 season was one for the books. At 33, he started 16 games and emerged as one of the league’s most reliable run blockers. The Titans rewarded him with a $9 million deal for next season — a price the Lions weren’t ready to match.
Now, the challenge is replacing not just his production, but his presence.
Mahogany’s Rise — Promising, But Still Developing
Sixth-round rookie Christian Mahogany made the most of limited action last season, starting two games and catching the staff’s attention. His physicality and readiness impressed, but two starts are hardly a full résumé.
Still, the Lions believe there’s something there.
“They were promising, they were encouraging,” Holmes said. “We do feel like he has starter-level ability, but he is still a young player.”
Holmes isn’t ready to hand Mahogany the job outright. Not yet. Competition will be key, and more reps will determine if he can shift seamlessly between both guard spots.
Glasgow’s Versatility: A Safety Net With Potential
Then there’s Graham Glasgow — a known quantity with positional flexibility. He started most of the season in 2023, though his form dipped late in the year. Campbell isn’t giving up on him.
“But Graham’s somebody that we still value because he’s got versatility,” Campbell said at the owners meeting. “He can also play center. I think people forget that.”
It’s not just a fallback plan. If Glasgow regains his rhythm and stays healthy, he could be a stabilizing force on the interior.
The Manu Question: A Bold Move in the Making?
The wildcard in the mix? Giovanni Manu.
Drafted as a raw but gifted tackle from British Columbia, Manu spent last year working primarily with the scout team. But the Lions are now flirting with the idea of shifting him inside to guard.
“Does Manu — do we try Manu guard? That’s a thought,” Campbell said. “So, we’re gonna try to let these guys compete a little bit and move them around and see what’s right.”
It would be a leap of faith. But with the tackle spots locked down by Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell, trying Manu at guard might be the only way to get him on the field.
Not Set in Stone — Yet
Campbell made it clear: no decision is final. The Lions are embracing experimentation and letting competition dictate the depth chart. Internal options like Mahogany, Glasgow, and Manu will get their shot — but the front office isn’t ruling out outside reinforcements, either.
“We still need to make sure that he has competition,” Holmes said, speaking about Mahogany. “We’ll still be looking at possibly another veteran to add, and you still have the draft.”
In Detroit, building the offensive line remains a priority — and while Zeitler’s chapter is closed, the next one is being written in pencil, not ink.