The Detroit Lions still have some uncertainty along their offensive line, and bringing back a familiar veteran on an affordable deal remains a realistic option now that free agency has been underway for a couple of weeks.

Over the weekend, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report suggested that Detroit could benefit from reuniting with offensive guard Kevin Zeitler. Zeitler spent the 2024 season with the Lions, appearing in every regular-season game and starting each one, playing a key role in helping the team secure the NFC North title and the conference’s top seed.

Knox emphasized that even at 36 years old, Zeitler continues to perform at a high level. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked 13th among all guards in the league during the 2025 campaign. Given his previous success in Detroit, a return would be a logical move for both sides.

Before joining the Lions, Zeitler earned Pro Bowl recognition with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. He then signed a one-year, $9 million deal with the Tennessee Titans for the following season. Looking ahead, Spotrac estimates his market value at roughly $9.2 million on another short-term contract in 2026.

Across a lengthy 14-year NFL career, Zeitler has accumulated approximately $107.5 million in earnings while playing for multiple teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Ravens, Lions, and Titans.

Detroit’s offensive line took a noticeable step back in 2025, falling from a top-five unit the previous year to middle-of-the-pack. The departures of Zeitler and retired center Frank Ragnow were significant factors in that decline. Replacements like Christian Mahogany and Graham Glasgow struggled to match prior production, based on PFF evaluations.

Analyst Zoltán Buday noted that the retooled unit failed to meet expectations. With new starters across the interior and frequent injuries forcing constant changes, the group lacked consistency. In total, 13 different linemen logged at least 10 snaps over the course of the season, highlighting the instability up front.

That inconsistency had a direct impact on the passing game. Quarterback Jared Goff was sacked 38 times in 2025—the highest total of his career—largely due to interior pressure.

There were still some positives, though. Rookie guard Tate Ratledge stood out, particularly in run blocking. His 73.5 grade in that area ranked among the best for guards league-wide and placed him near the top among rookies.

Despite missing the playoffs, Detroit remained an efficient team overall. Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus ranked the Lions as the league’s sixth-best team in a recent power ranking. He highlighted the team’s strong foundation, pointing out top-tier performers like Penei Sewell and Aidan Hutchinson in the trenches, along with playmakers such as Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs.

With a talented core already in place, reinforcing the offensive line—potentially by bringing back a dependable veteran like Zeitler—could be a key step in keeping Detroit’s championship aspirations alive.