The Detroit Lions are facing an important offseason ahead, with general manager Brad Holmes aiming to strengthen a roster that suffered an unexpected divisional round loss to the Washington Commanders despite being the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
While the Lions will look to add impactful players, they also face the possibility of losing key contributors to unrestricted free agency, including starting right guard Kevin Zeitler. The veteran signed a one-year contract with Detroit last offseason and had a standout season as one of the best interior offensive linemen in the league.
Zeitler is expected to draw significant interest in free agency, and Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron suggests that the Minnesota Vikings could be the prime destination for the former Pro Bowl guard.
“Zeitler will be 35 years old when he hits the open market, but his long track record of sustained success across multiple franchises should warrant looks from decision-makers,” Cameron noted.
“The Vikings need all the help they can muster to halt the constant flow of interior pressure they experienced in 2024, having allowed the highest interior pressure rate (18.8%) in the NFL,” he added.
Zeitler started all 16 games for the Lions in 2024, allowing five sacks but just 18 total pressures on 577 pass-blocking snaps. The 34-year-old also earned an impressive 87.2 run-blocking grade, ranking third among guards in the NFL.
While the Vikings received strong play from starting right guard Dalton Risner this season, the 29-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Should Minnesota lose Risner, bringing in Zeitler would be a smart move for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
Detroit should make efforts to retain their reliable and experienced right guard, but if Zeitler decides to leave, the Vikings could be one of the top contenders for his services, especially if they don’t re-sign Risner.
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Three Detroit Lions Make 2025’s Top 100 Free Agent List
With the Detroit Lions’ season ending prematurely, they now face the task of evaluating expiring player contracts. Pro Football Focus (PFF) highlights three players they should prioritize keeping.
Carlton Davis III, Cornerback
Carlton Davis III ranked among the top 25 most valuable free agents. A former second-round pick, Davis joined the Lions in the offseason after spending time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his first season with Detroit, Davis recorded 56 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 2 interceptions in just 13 games, as he missed time due to a fractured jaw sustained during a game against the Buffalo Bills.
Kevin Zeitler, Offensive Guard
Kevin Zeitler, ranked six spots below Davis III, is an appealing free agent. The veteran guard and former first-round pick had one of his best seasons with Detroit, finishing with a pass-block rate of 78.8% and a run-block rate of 87.2%. Though Zeitler is approaching the end of his career, he still provides considerable value to any team.
Levi Onwuzirke, Defensive Tackle
Levi Onwuzirke, ranked 40th on PFF’s list of most valuable free agents, has shown promise but struggled with injuries throughout his four seasons in Detroit. During the 2024 season, Onwuzirke posted 16 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. If he can stay healthy and have a breakout season, Onwuzirke could become an important contributor for any team.
