Kevin Zeitler Departs for Tennessee, Leaving a Void in Detroit’s Offensive Line

The Detroit Lions are bidding farewell to a critical piece of their offensive line as veteran guard Kevin Zeitler heads to the Tennessee Titans on a one-year, $9 million deal, per ESPN. Zeitler’s departure raises questions about Detroit’s offensive line depth, as the team loses a highly effective and experienced starter.

A Major Loss for the Lions’ Offensive Front

Zeitler, a proven force at right guard, was one of the top run blockers in the league last season. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the second-best run blocker among all primary guards, marking his 2023 performance as one of the best in his impressive career. His departure leaves a glaring hole on a unit that has been one of the Lions’ biggest strengths in recent seasons.

General manager Brad Holmes has repeatedly emphasized that building and protecting the offensive line is “the whole thing” for Detroit. Losing a key starter like Zeitler presents a challenge, but the Lions still have time to address the vacancy.

Who Could Step Up in Zeitler’s Absence?

Despite losing Zeitler, the Lions have a few promising options to fill the gap. Christian Mahogany, a sixth-round pick from Boston College, showed promise in his two rookie starts, including a critical performance in the playoffs. While he missed training camp and preseason due to mononucleosis, Mahogany impressed coaches with how quickly he adjusted to the NFL level.

Head coach Dan Campbell and Holmes saw his potential early on. “He just stepped right in and kind of knew what to do,” Holmes noted in his year-end press conference. “We were like, ‘If he can help, he can help.’ And he jumped right in—wow, we’ve got to get this guy active.”

Another potential solution is Graham Glasgow, a versatile lineman who has started 31 games over the past two seasons at both guard and center. His experience could be invaluable as the Lions work to solidify their front five.

What’s Next for Detroit’s Offensive Line?

Even with Zeitler’s departure, Detroit still boasts one of the league’s most formidable offensive lines. However, they may still explore additional depth in free agency or the NFL Draft.

The Lions have yet to tender a contract to Kayode Awosika, leaving his future uncertain. Meanwhile, Dan Skipper, Giovanni Manu, and Colby Sorsdal remain on the roster, but their roles in the competition for a starting guard position are unclear.

With free agency ongoing and the draft approaching, the Lions have options to reinforce their offensive line. Zeitler’s absence will be felt, but Detroit’s depth, coaching, and front office vision could help turn this loss into an opportunity for the next breakout star.