As NFL teams prepare for free agency, the options for those needing a guard are quickly shrinking, and the Detroit Lions are not in an ideal position.

In a recent move, Jonah Jackson, a former Pro Bowler for the Lions, was traded by the Los Angeles Rams to their division rival, the Chicago Bears, in exchange for a sixth-round pick.

Jackson began his career with the Lions before joining the Rams last offseason. Prior to this trade, there was some hope he might be part of a thinner free agent class for guards.

That class had already seen Zack Martin retire and Trey Smith tagged with the franchise designation.

Many of the top remaining free agents have serious concerns. James Daniels tore his Achilles last season, Will Fries broke his tibia, and Teven Jenkins’ 14 games played last season were the most in his first four years.

Fortunately for the Lions, they still have an opportunity to lock up a steady guard without the injury concerns that plague the other options, even before he enters free agency.

Kevin Zeitler, who played for the Lions in 2024, was a key part of one of the NFL’s most formidable offensive lines. Now, just a year after signing a $6 million deal with the Lions, he’s nearing free agency again.

The Lions shouldn’t let that happen.

While the Lions have become contenders in recent years for many reasons, the offensive line is one of the most crucial. It has been a dominant unit, with Zeitler playing an important role this past season.

Pro Football Focus ranked him as one of the league’s highest-rated run-blockers at the guard position. The run game has been vital to the team’s offensive success in 2024 and will continue to be in 2025.

Although the Lions do have Christian Mahogany, whom they drafted last year, the backup plan carries risk. He showed promise as a rookie but with only two career starts, relying on him in a key position could be dangerous for a team whose identity centers on its O-Line.

Re-signing Zeitler would allow the Lions to continue evaluating Mahogany while ensuring the offensive line remains solid for a potential Super Bowl run.

The Lions should avoid the situation of scrambling for a guard in free agency when they already have a reliable starter available to sign before anyone else has the chance.