Zeitler has started in 181 out of 182 career games. He was named to the 2024 Pro Bowl as an alternate for the first time in his career, replacing Joe Thuney of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Detroit Lions’ Offensive Line is the Best in the NFL

The addition of Zeitler moves the Lions into the category of the best offensive line in football. They ended the 2023 season as the second-best unit in the NFL. The Philadelphia Eagles finished first. The Eagles lost one of the best centers in football with the retirement of Jason Kelce.

The Lions add, and the Eagles subtract. Simple math tells us the Lions will move ahead of them before 2024.

According to PFF, Frank Ragnow was the highest-graded center in the NFL this season, with an 88.1 grade. Penei Sewell was one of the best tackles in football, with a 90.7 overall grade. Taylor Decker also graded high as their starting left tackle.

The Lions needed to replace three-year veteran Jonah Jackson, who signed with the LA Rams this offseason. The loss of Jackson turns out to be a gain overall. Zeitler scored about ten points higher in PFF overall grades in 2023.

Reactions to Zeitler Signing

Some NFL media members were huge fans of the Zeitler signing

Kevin Zeitler is an outstanding signing by DET

pass block grades as a Raven:

#2 of 83 in 2023
#4 of 84 in 2022
#4 of 88 in 2022

plus he’s durable

15+ starts in 9 straight yrs

Pairing Kevin Zeitler with this @Ravens rush offense?@BaldyNFL loves it. pic.twitter.com/BGSfBb9JGr

— NFL (@NFL) March 25, 2021

Former Ravens Pro-Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler intends to sign a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions, per source. Zeitler is flying to Detroit tonight to take a physical with the plan to sign Tuesday with the Lions. pic.twitter.com/7GdExwQhGv

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2024