Veteran Kevin Zeitler Could Be Key Piece in Tennessee’s Rebuild

As the NFL offseason heats up, teams are searching for proven talent to reinforce their rosters. One name gaining traction is Kevin Zeitler, the Detroit Lions’ veteran right guard, who is set to hit free agency. With Tennessee in desperate need of stability along the offensive line, Zeitler has been identified as an ideal fit for the Titans.

Tennessee’s Offensive Line Rebuild

The Titans struggled with offensive line consistency last season, particularly on the right side. ESPN’s Matt Bowen highlighted Zeitler as the perfect solution to Tennessee’s woes, emphasizing his experience and physicality.

“The Titans need to rebuild the right side of their offensive line, and they can start by adding a proven vet in Zeitler,” Bowen wrote. “He is a physical inside presence with the power to displace defensive tackles and the movement ability to pull on gap schemes. He routinely wins in pass protection, using his strong base to hold off interior rushers and posting a pass block win rate of 94.4% with Detroit last season.”

At 35 years old, Zeitler remains a high-level performer, excelling in both run blocking and pass protection. His veteran leadership and technical consistency make him an attractive option for a Titans team looking to solidify its offensive front.

Detroit’s Free Agency Dilemma

While Zeitler’s potential departure would be a loss for the Lions, Detroit has other pressing offseason priorities. The team is rumored to be exploring options for improving its defensive front, with ESPN also linking them to Chase Young, a former No. 2 overall pick.

Young, who has struggled with injuries throughout his career, showed flashes of his potential in 2024, recording 5.5 sacks and 46 pressures, which tied for 11th-most in the league. Bowen noted that Young could be a valuable addition opposite Aidan Hutchinson, providing much-needed depth at edge rusher.

“Here’s a fun one. Detroit coach Dan Campbell could add Young to pair with Aidan Hutchinson off the edge,” Bowen suggested. “Young notched 5.5 sacks with the Saints in 2024, and his 46 pressures tied for 11th most in the league. He’d be a low-risk signing with upside.”

What’s Next for Zeitler?

With Tennessee prioritizing offensive line upgrades, Zeitler’s skill set makes him a prime target. His ability to anchor the interior, combined with his experience in multiple blocking schemes, could make him a foundational piece for the Titans moving forward.

For the Lions, losing Zeitler would create a hole on the offensive line, but Detroit’s front office may opt to find a younger, long-term solution in the draft or free agency. Either way, Zeitler’s future will be one of the key storylines to watch in the coming weeks.