Former Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl offensive guard Kevin Zeitler plans to sign an undisclosed one-year deal with the Detroit Lions, according to a source. Zeitler is flying to Detroit on Monday night to take a physical, with the plan to formally sign on Tuesday. The 34-year-old former 27th overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2012 out of Wisconsin has been one of the most underrated offensive linemen in the league in the last 12 years. He could serve as a short-term replacement for Jonah Jackson, who signed with the Los Angeles Rams as a free agent. Zeitler played in 15 regular-season games and battled through knee and quad injuries last year but still managed a 93.8% pass-block win rate (10th among guards) while allowing only six sacks. He also had a 61.8% run-block win rate (25th among guards). Zeitler is known for his durability and has played in 182 games (181 starts) in the regular season since 2012.
The Baltimore Ravens reached an agreement on a three-year deal worth up to $22.5 million with former New York Giants offensive guard Kevin Zeitler on Monday, according to a league source. The deal includes $16 million in guarantees. Zeitler was one of the top offensive lineman available after he was released by New York. The 31-year-old from Wisconsin was an All-Pro right guard for the Cleveland Browns as recently as 2016 and will be an immediate upgrade on the right side of Baltimore's offensive line, starting in 2021. It's not a surprise that the run-first Ravens offense's first move of free agency was to add a run-blocking lineman. Look for Baltimore to continue to be a run-heavy attack with running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins and quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The New York Giants released veteran offensive guard Kevin Zeitler on Wednesday. The 31-year-old was part of the 2019 Odell Beckham Jr. trade with the Browns, and he started 31 games in the last two seasons with the G-Men. The move saves the Giants $12 million in salary cap space with $2.5 million in dead money, according to Over The Cap. Zeitler allowed 28 pressures and two sacks in a down season in 2020, but he should be able to find a new home quickly on the open market because of his experience. He spent his first five seasons with the Bengals, so a reunion in Cincinnati for an offensive line that has had their fair share of struggles could be a possibility. General manager Dave Gettleman hinted that the team would go much younger on the offensive line, so Zeitler's release doesn't come as a huge surprise.
Cleveland Browns guard Kevin Zeitler (calf) is dealing with a calf injury that will keep him out for "awhile" in training camp, according to head coach Hue Jackson. Jackson is hoping Zeitler can be back in "a few weeks." Zeitler was solid for the Browns last year and should be fine for the regular season.
