The Detroit Lions have a big summer ahead, with general manager Brad Holmes looking to strengthen a club that lost an unexpected divisional round game to the Washington Commanders despite being the NFC’s top seed.
While the Lions plan to add impact players, they also risk losing important contributors to unrestricted free agency, notably starting right guard Kevin Zeitler. The veteran signed a one-year contract with Detroit last summer and had a breakout season as one of the league’s top interior offensive lineman.
Zeitler is likely to receive a lot of attention in free agency, and Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron believes the Minnesota Vikings could be the best fit for the former Pro Bowl guard.
“Zeitler will be 35 years old when he hits the open market, but his long track record of sustained success across multiple franchises should warrant looks from decision-makers,” according to Cameron.
“The Vikings need all the help they can muster to halt the constant flow of interior pressure they experienced in 2024, having allowed the highest interior pressure rate (18.8%) in the NFL,” according to him.
Zeitler started all 16 games for the Lions in 2024, allowing five sacks and only 18 total pressures on 577 pass-blocking snaps. The 34-year-old also received an amazing 87.2 run-blocking grade, ranking third among guards in the NFL.
Dalton Risner, the Vikings’ starting right guard, played well this season, but this offseason he will be an unrestricted free agent. In the event that Minnesota loses Risner, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah would be wise to bring in Zeitler.
The Vikings might be among the top teams vying for Zeitler’s services if he decides to depart, but Detroit should try to hold onto their dependable and seasoned right guard, particularly if they don’t re-sign Risner.
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