How Zeitler became Detroit’s ‘Plan A’ at guard

Dating back to training camp last year, the Detroit Lions made a push to lock up guard Jonah Jackson with a long-term extension. It’s fair to say there was a belief in the building it would get done even days before the start of free agency. But once he hit the open market, it became clear Jackson’s price tag was going to be more than the Lions had budgeted to retain him.

Jackson, a 2021 Pro Bowler who started 57 games for the Lions during his four seasons with the franchise, landed a massive three-year, $51 million contract from the Los Angeles Rams on the first day of the negotiating window for free agents. The package included $34 million in guarantees.

That forced the Lions to pivot, and they quickly set their sights on Kevin Zeitler, a 12-year veteran who earned Pro Bowl recognition for the first time in his career in 2023. What better way to replace a Pro Bowler than with another Pro Bowler? Despite early contact with the top replacement target, it took almost a week for a deal to be consummated. The sides eventually came together on a one-year, $6 million agreement.

“He was somebody we were actually surprised he lasted as long as he did in free agency,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “We thought he was going to be gone early. We liked him from the get-go. It didn’t work out with Jonah, but Zeitler was the guy if (Jonah left). So, we just kind of talked to him from the get-go, stayed in touch, and we were able to make it work out.”

Zeitler had piqued general manager Brad Holmes’ interest when the Lions played the Baltimore Ravens last season. In that 38-6 loss, the Ravens ran for 146 yards and two touchdowns, while preventing quarterback Lamar Jackson from being sacked.