2023 Pro Bowl Guard Signs with the Lions
Coming off another season as a reliable offensive lineman, veteran guard Kevin Zeitler has signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions. Since coming into the league, Zeitler has become one of the league’s most reliable guards at the position, as the 12-year veteran has started in 181 games out of 182 games played. Despite his consistent play, Zeitler’s performance had failed to get the recognition that it deserved, as he had not been named to the Pro Bowl in his career. However, Zeitler was named to his first Pro Bowl appearance last season after being selected to fill in as a replacement for Chiefs guard Joe Thuney. Now, Zeitler will look to continue his dominant performance at the guard position following his signing with the Lions.
Zeitler, 33, was drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Prior to his NFL start, Zeitler played his collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin from 2008 to 2011. In his senior season, Zeitler was named to the first-team All-American and Big-Ten award. During his rookie NFL season with the Bengals, Zeitler finished the year as the Bengals highest-rated lineman and only allowed four sacks in 16 games played. Following stints with the Browns and Giants, Zeitler signed a three-year deal in 2021 with the Baltimore Ravens. During his tenure with the Ravens, Zeitler has become a reliable starter for a Ravens’ offensive line that had dealt with different combinations prior to his arrival in Baltimore.
Despite being handed a PFF overall grade of 69.3 for the 2023 season, Zeitler’s performance on the field was a stabilizing force for the Ravens’ offensive line. In 982 offensive snaps played, Zeitler allowed only two sacks all season and was penalized a total of four times in 15 games played. According to PFF, Zeitler was the second highest-graded pass-blocking guard (82.3) and only allowed one QB hit last season. The signing of Zeitler will provide the Lions with stability at the guard position, as they aim to make their push toward a Super Bowl Championship next season.
