By Blessing 
Lions Lose Key Starter as Kevin Zeitler Signs with Titans
The Detroit Lions are heading into the offseason with a significant hole to fill on their offensive line. After helping anchor one of the league’s top offenses in 2024, veteran guard Kevin Zeitler is officially on the move.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Zeitler has signed a one-year, $9 million deal with the Tennessee Titans, leaving Detroit after just one season. His departure creates a major gap in a unit that was pivotal to the Lions’ success last year, balancing a dynamic rushing attack and a high-powered passing game.
Zeitler’s absence now opens up a question mark at right guard, where the Lions had leaned heavily on the veteran presence throughout the season. With no clear-cut replacement in place, the team may be forced to rely on younger, less experienced players—at least for now.
Mahogany Could Be Next in Line
One potential candidate is Christian Mahogany, a sixth-round draft pick who saw limited action in 2024 but earned trust when it mattered most. After Zeitler suffered a hamstring injury late in the season, Mahogany was called upon to start in the divisional playoff game against the Washington Commanders. He also filled in during the Week 16 win over the Bears when Graham Glasgow was sidelined.
Head coach Dan Campbell didn’t hesitate to praise the rookie’s readiness and growth.
“Yeah, we thought that was a good showing by (Mahogany) and it’s worthy of – if it goes there – to give him a shot,” Campbell said via USA Today’s Lions Wire. “But then there again, we have (Kayode Awosika) Yode as well. He’s played snaps, played playoff snaps for us and we trust him as well. So, we feel like we’re in good hands.”
Mahogany’s road to the field wasn’t easy. He missed all of training camp due to mononucleosis and started the season on the nonfootball illness list. He eventually joined the active roster in October, appearing in seven games and making one start.
Reinforcements Could Come via Draft
While Mahogany might be the front-runner, Detroit isn’t expected to leave anything to chance. Many draft analysts believe the Lions will look to bolster the offensive line in April’s NFL Draft. In fact, NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah predicted the team could use its first-round pick on Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson.
“Jackson would be a perfect replacement for Kevin Zeitler if the veteran departs in free agency,” Jeremiah wrote.
NFL analyst Bucky Brooks echoed that sentiment, noting Jackson’s physical style and attitude align perfectly with Detroit’s vision.
“General manager Brad Holmes’ master plan involves collecting bullies on the offensive line,” Brooks wrote. “Jackson is a Day 1 starter with the nasty attitude and physical game to fit right in with the Lions’ dominant front.”
Despite losing Zeitler, the Lions remain committed to maintaining the identity that made their offense the NFL’s highest-scoring in 2024. With a powerful run game led by Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery and Jared Goff steering a potent aerial attack, the foundation remains strong. Now, it’s just a matter of finding the right piece to keep that engine running.