The Detroit Lions’ offense has been one of the most explosive and dynamic units in the league this year, as Ben Johnson’s group led the NFL in points per game (33.2) and was also second in yards per game (409.5) behind the Baltimore Ravens.
Though players such as quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and wide receivers Amon-Ra St.Brown and Jameson Williams receive most of the credit for Detroit’s offensive success, the offensive line is the engine of the unit. The Lions returned four of five 2023 starters to the group this year, with guard Kevin Zeitler being the newcomer.
Zeitler signed a one-year deal with Detroit in free agency last offseason after earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2023 with the Ravens. The 34-year-old started 16 games for the Lions at right guard in the regular season and has been one of the better interior offensive linemen in football.
Zeitler will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and if general manager Brad Holmes can’t retain the veteran guard, Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker believes the Miami Dolphins should pursue Zeitler in 2025 free agency.
The Dolphins’ Chris Grier enjoyed one of the better free agency periods by any general manager last offseason, landing Calais Campbell, Jonnu Smith, Aaron Brewer and Jordyn Brooks. Entering a make-or-break 2025 season, Grier would be wise to beef up Miami’s guard positions.
In his first season with the Lions, Zeitler proved to be one of the better free-agent signings by any squad. Even though the Dolphins boast around only $300,000 in cap space, the older Zeitler likely won’t shatter costs as he enters his age-35 season.
Miami desperately needs help on the interior of the offensive line, primarily right guard. Liam Eichenberg served as the team’s starter at the position for most of the season and was subpar. Additionally, the Dolphins lack quality depth at guard.
Signing Zeitler would be a savvy move from general manager Chris Grier, as the former first-round allowed just 18 quarterback pressures in 577 pass-blocking snaps in 2024 and also posted an 87.2 run-blocking grade, which was third-best among guards.
The Lions should try to re-sign Zeitler this offseason, but if the veteran decides to depart Detroit in free agency, the Miami Dolphins would be an intriguing landing spot for the former Wisconsin standout.
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