The Detroit Lions are suddenly staring at a shaky interior offensive line heading into the 2025 season, and it’s hard not to think they might regret letting veteran guard Kevin Zeitler walk. After Frank Ragnow’s retirement left a gaping hole at center, Detroit’s only response has been signing a couple of questionable vets to compete for the spot. But the real problem started earlier this offseason when Zeitler signed with the Tennessee Titans.
Zeitler, who started 16 games last year, was a Pro Bowl alternate and arguably the Lions’ best guard. He chose to leave Detroit after just one season, heading to Tennessee to protect rookie QB Cam Ward. His departure now looks like a major misstep, especially with Ragnow unexpectedly calling it quits and creating a second massive void on the interior.
Sure, the Lions added rookie linemen Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier in the draft to beef up depth. But let’s be honest — relying on rookies to stabilize the offensive line is a big gamble, especially with questions already swirling about whether veterans Graham Glasgow or Trystan Colon can step up at center.
Fans have every right to be frustrated seeing Zeitler leave. He was exactly the kind of dependable presence Detroit could use right now. And it’s not like the Lions didn’t have the cap space to bring him back — Over The Cap shows they still have more than $40 million to spend.
Detroit is known for making savvy moves around the margins, but letting Zeitler walk looks more and more like a swing and a miss. No one saw Ragnow’s retirement coming, but keeping Zeitler could’ve provided a much-needed insurance policy and stability up front. Now, the Lions are stuck hoping their patchwork plan comes together before Jared Goff finds himself under constant pressure.
Lions May Regret Letting Zeitler Go as O-Line Uncertainty Grows
