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3 Lions Who Could Leave Detroit to Follow Ben Johnson

With NFL free agency set to begin in March, these three Lions players could leave the Motor City to join Ben Johnson in Chicago.

By Jovan Alford

Jan 22, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson answers questions during a introductory press conference at PNC Center.
Jan 22, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson answers questions during a introductory press conference at PNC Center. / David Banks-Imagn Images
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3. Kevin Zeitler, OG

The veteran offensive lineman signed a one-year, $6 million contract this past offseason by the Lions. The 34-year-old Zeitler did a great job solidifying the right guard spot for Detroit, giving up two sacks and only penalized five times.

Detroit could bring Zeitler back for another one-year deal, or they could go with Christian Mahogany. Mahogany was drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The former Boston College standout appeared in seven regular season games (one start) and started at right guard in the Divisional Round against the Commanders. If Detroit wants to go with Mahogany, Zeitler could be a great option for the Bears.

The Bears’ offensive line was not great this season as Williams was sacked a ridiculous 68 times (tied for the third-most in NFL history with David Carr). 

Chicago had veteran lineman Matt Pryor starting at right guard after cutting Nate Davis earlier this season, who was a huge disappointment in the Windy City. Pryor played well at right guard, possessing a 69.9 overall grade on PFF, a 78.1 pass-block grade (ranked eighth among 135 qualified guards), and a 65.9 run-block grade. 

Also, he allowed seven sacks and was penalized seven times across 1,005 offensive snaps. But when you look at Zeiter’s advanced stats, he played at a Pro Bowl level. The 34-year-old had an 86.8 overall grade, a 71.8 pass-block grade, and an excellent 87.2 run-blocking grade.

Pryor has a slight advantage over Zeitler in pass pro, but Zeiter overall would be an upgrade at right guard. According to Spotrac.com, the veteran offensive lineman’s calculated market value is a one-year, $9.2 million deal.

If that’s the going rate for the veteran offensive lineman in free agency, the Bears should be one of the top options for Zeitler.

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