Lions Projected to Lose Pro Bowler Veteran After the Season

The Detroit Lions just won their eleventh straight game of the season to improve to 12-1 for the season. The Super Bowl favorites have looked like the best team in the NFL all season and are laser-focused on the postseason as we enter the final four weeks of the season.

While the Lions are exclusively preoccupied with the season, many fans and teams around the league have already begun speculating about the offseason. In fact, Bleacher Report just released an article detailing the needs of each team and how they might address them in free agency. For the reigning champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, they identified Kevin Zeitler of the Lions as a potential free agent target.

"With Trey Smith on the precipice of free agency, the Chiefs might have to apply those lessons learned to filling his spot. Kansas City needs to find a proven veteran if Smith leaves elsewhere for a lucrative contract. Kevin Zeitler would be the perfect fit. The 34-year-old has come to Detroit and played at an elite level this season."

- Bleacher Report NFL Scouting Dept.

This is certainly understandable for the Chiefs. Their offensive line has been a disaster all season as they struggled with protecting Patrick Mahomes despite their 11-1 record. Kevin Zeitler has been one of the best interior offensive linemen this season, somehow having a career year in his age-34 season.

Zeitler made his first Pro Bowl last year as a member of the Baltimore Ravens. This season, he has taken his play to the next level. On PFF, he is currently ranked as the second-best guard in the league with an impressive 90.0 PFF grade and an 88.5 run block grade.

Despite his age, Zeitler will almost certainly draw a ton of interest in the open market. The Lions likely regret the fact that they only signed the former first-round pick to a one-year deal in the 2024 offseason.

If Zeitler were to leave in free agency, the Lions may have to move things around on their offensive line. Graham Glasgow was playing right guard and Jonah Jackson was at left guard before Zeitler arrived in Detroit. Perhaps Glasgow could go back to playing right guard or the Lions could give a shot to 2024 draft pick Christian Mahogany.

Regardless of which direction they choose to go, it will be difficult to replace Zeitler and his veteran competence. However, Dan Campbell & Co. has proven time and time again that they can overcome any absence and find ways to succeed. Any free agency departure will be no different.

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