One NFL expert thinks the Detroit Lions should revisit a move to re-sign a former player who left in 2024, as they need more protection for QB Jared Goff.

Based on the insights by Kristopher Knox in an article posted by Bleacher Report on Saturday, the Lions could eye their former guard Kevin Zeitler. He joined the Tennessee Titans for a 1-year deal as a free agent in the 2025 season.

"A return to Detroit, where Zeitler played in 2024, would make plenty of sense. The Lions struggled across the offensive line this past season, with Jared Goff taking a career-high 38 sacks," wrote Knox.

During the 2024 season, the Lions did not try to re-sign him, but rather focused on Graham Glasgow. But according to PFF, the Lions were ranked 13th in run blocking and 24th in pass protection, a wrong move perhaps. 

But for the 2026 campaign, he is again available in free agency, allowing the Lions to make the right move. 

“Even at 36, Kevin Zeitler remains one of the NFL's more reliable interior linemen,” Knox wrote in his article. “Pro Football Focus graded Zeitler 13th overall among all guards for the 2025 season.”

Zeitler was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2012 and later joined the Detroit Lions in 2024 as a free agent for a one-year contract at $6 million. He played 16 games under the Lions banner.

At the age of 36, he recorded a PFF score of 74.5 with the Titans in the last season, with 75.4 pass block and 70.8 run block grades, exceptional for any athlete of his age. 

Zeitler could be the missing piece in the Lions' O-Line. A very experienced player with 14 years of experience and 214 games played, he can make a difference in locker room leadership. 

Kevin could slot into Detroit’s interior line alongside younger offensive linemen like Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany, helping stabilize protection and giving Jared Goff a cleaner pocket to operate.

How Kevin Zeitler Could Stabilize Detroit Lions' Interior Protection

Zeitler is not being viewed as a long-term piece, but as a stabilizer. His strength lies in pass protection, but more importantly, in his availability throughout the season, as he rarely gets injured.

Detroit could keep Zeitler on the right side and shift a younger lineman to left guard, or ask him to transition across, something guards are generally capable of, even if it is not ideal. 

Nick Shook of NFL.com also suggested that the Lions must land Kevin for the 2026 season if they're serious about line depth.

“Then they let him walk — and received a strong reminder of the importance of offensive line depth, slipping to 12th in PFF’s rankings without Zeitler and the retired Frank Ragnow,” Shook wrote. “They shouldn’t allow themselves to be caught short again.”

As he has played almost exclusively at right guard, with minimal snaps on the left side, this complicates a direct plug-and-play scenario, given that rookie Miles Frazier already plays in that position.

However, Frazier spent most of the 2025 season on the PUP list due to a knee injury, which stunted his development. Having Zeitler in that position can not only bring safety but also ease Frazier into the role.

What do you think about Knox's advice about re-signing Zeitler? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Sayantan Gayen