Lions Lose Kevin Zeitler to Titans, Explore Replacement Options in Free Agency

The Detroit Lions have suffered a significant loss in free agency as veteran guard Kevin Zeitler departs for the Tennessee Titans. Zeitler, who was considered a bargain signing for Detroit in 2024, has agreed to a one-year, $9 million contract with Tennessee.

Replacing Zeitler will be no easy task. He ranked as Pro Football Focus’ third-highest-graded guard last season and was especially dominant in run blocking, earning the second-best grade at his position. Given his impact, it’s surprising that Detroit didn’t make a stronger push to retain him, particularly since Zeitler had expressed interest in staying with the team. However, the Lions now must move forward and find a suitable replacement.

Current In-House Options

Despite losing Zeitler, the Lions technically still have their two starting guards from last season. Graham Glasgow remains on the roster, but he struggled at left guard after switching positions to accommodate Zeitler’s arrival. Meanwhile, Christian Mahogany showed promise as a rookie, though his season was disrupted early on by illness. He eventually returned to start one game at each guard position and performed well in those appearances.

The Lions could also look to the draft for reinforcements, potentially adding competition for Glasgow or even selecting a player to take over as a full-time starter. However, if Mahogany isn’t considered ready for a starting role, Detroit may turn to free agency to address the void left by Zeitler.

Top Free Agent Guards Detroit Could Target

If the Lions opt for a veteran replacement, several intriguing free-agent options are available:

1. Will Hernandez

During the NFL Combine, Lions general manager Brad Holmes hinted at interest in an Arizona Cardinals offensive free agent while reviewing game tape from Detroit’s Week 3 matchup. Although Holmes didn’t specify which player he was scouting, the Lions’ recent signing of former Cardinals defensive tackle Roy Lopez suggests they were evaluating multiple Arizona players.

Hernandez missed most of the 2024 season due to a knee injury, playing only five games. However, he posted the highest overall and run-blocking grades of his career from Pro Football Focus before getting hurt. In his first two seasons with Arizona, he was consistently ranked among the top 30 guards in the league. While he has primarily played right guard in recent years, Hernandez has experience on both sides of the line.

As long as his medical evaluations are positive and his recovery is progressing well, Hernandez could be a cost-effective signing for the Lions. Another Arizona lineman, Trystan Colon, who filled in for Hernandez last season and earned a top-20 PFF grade, is also worth considering.

2. Shaq Mason

The Houston Texans struggled with offensive line play last season, leading to some surprising roster moves. Among them was the release of 31-year-old Shaq Mason, who posted the lowest overall PFF grade of his career in 2024. Despite his decline, he still ranked No. 47 among all guards and finished inside the top 40 in pass blocking.

Mason has played right guard for most of his career, but his versatility and experience make him a viable short-term option for Detroit. He could serve as a temporary replacement for Zeitler or as an insurance policy in case Mahogany isn’t ready for full-time duties.

3. Teven Jenkins

The Chicago Bears have completely revamped their interior offensive line, leaving Teven Jenkins—PFF’s 14th-ranked guard last season—available in free agency. Originally drafted as a tackle, Jenkins transitioned to right guard for two seasons before moving to left guard in 2024, where he had his best year as a pro.

Jenkins’ availability may be tied to his asking price, as he is one of the top offensive linemen on the market and is still relatively young at 27. If Detroit is willing to invest in a long-term solution, Jenkins could be a great fit. The Lions are already familiar with him, having faced him multiple times in NFC North matchups, and his skill set aligns well with Detroit’s run-blocking scheme.

4. Mekhi Becton

After struggling with injuries early in his career, Mekhi Becton revived his career in 2024 with the Philadelphia Eagles by transitioning to guard. While reports initially suggested he wanted to stay in Philadelphia, ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently hinted that the Eagles are preparing to lose him in free agency.

With the Cincinnati Bengals seemingly out of the running, the Lions have an opportunity to sign Becton. Detroit’s offensive line is one of the best in the league, and the team has a highly regarded offensive line coach, which could be appealing to the former first-round pick. If Detroit is looking for an athletic, high-upside option, Becton could be a strong addition.

5. Brandon Scherff

Brandon Scherff is no longer the dominant player who earned five Pro Bowl nods in seven seasons with Washington, but he remains a reliable and experienced option. Over the past three years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he started every game and continued to excel in pass protection. His PFF pass-blocking grades of 78.7 and 74.5 in the past two seasons indicate that he still provides strong protection against interior pressure.

For a team like Detroit, which relies on quarterback Jared Goff to operate efficiently in the pocket, minimizing interior pressure is crucial. Given Goff’s struggles against interior pass rushers, maintaining stability at guard is a priority, and Scherff could provide a short-term solution at 33 years old.

Final Thoughts

Losing Zeitler is a significant setback for the Lions, as he was one of the best guards in the NFL last season. While Detroit still has in-house options, the team may look to free agency to solidify its offensive line before the 2025 season. Whether they target a younger long-term solution like Teven Jenkins or a short-term veteran like Scherff, the Lions have several strong candidates to consider.

With free agency still unfolding, it remains to be seen how Detroit will address its offensive line needs, but securing a high-quality replacement for Zeitler will be essential for maintaining the team’s offensive success.