The Detroit Lions haven’t suffered many losses in the early stages of free agency. The Lions saw veteran cornerback Carlton Davis sign a massive three-year deal with the New England Patriots, but Detroit immediately signed D.J. Reed to a three-year contract.
Detroit also saw Ifeatu Melifonwu sign a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins, but that’s been their only losses on defense. As for the offensive side of the ball, the Lions lost one of their key members in the trenches.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, former Detroit Lions right guard Kevin Zeitler signed a one-year, $9 million deal with the Tennessee Titans.
Source: Former Pro-Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler is signing a one-year $9 million deal with the Tennessee Titans. pic.twitter.com/sBPuQ00qFl
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2025
The 35-year-old Zeitler signed a one-year deal with the Lions last offseason to be their starting right guard after spending the previous three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. Zeitler was solid at right guard, boasting a tremendous 87.2 run blocking grade (third among 135 qualified guards).
Zeitler helped the Lions have the sixth-best rushing attack in 2024, with 146.4 yards per game and 29 touchdowns on the ground (tied for second-most with the Philadelphia Eagles).
The veteran lineman wasn’t a slouch in pass blocking either with a 71.8 grade (32nd among 135 qualified guards). Zeitler was penalized twice and gave up five sacks in 1,047 offensive snaps last season.
With Zeitler heading to Tennessee, the Lions will likely turn the starting right guard job over to Christian Mahogany, who they selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The former Boston College standout appeared in seven games as a rookie, but made his first career start against the Chicago Bears in Week 16. It's good that Mahogany has some experience under his belt as there will be expectations in 2025. The Lions pride themselves on having good play at the point of the attack and in the trenches, which will not change next season.