The Tennessee Titans entered the offseason desperately needing to upgrade their offensive line in free agency. New general manager Mike Borgonzi said that improving the protection in front of the next starting quarterback would take top priority. Borgonzi has been true to his word.
The Titans opened free agency by making a sizable splash, signing offensive tackle Dan Moore to a four-year contract worth $82 million. Moore will start at left tackle with sophomore blocker JC Latham moving to right tackle. Borgonzi had one remaining hole to fill at right guard, and he turned his attention there on the third day of free agency.
The Titans are signing veteran free-agent guard Kevin Zeitler, according to a report by ESPN's Adam Schefter. It's a one-year contract worth up to $9 million. Zeitler now completes the Titans' offensive line transformation, joining Peter Skoronski and Lloyd Cushenberry on the interior of Bill Callahan's offensive line.
The 35-year-old Zeitler played for the Detroit Lions last season. The Lions fielded one of the better-performing offensive lines in the league. Zeitler was a big part of their success in front of Jared Goff and Jahmyr Gibbs. The former 2012 first-round pick posted an elite run-blocking grade of 87.2, according to Pro Football Focus.
Zeitler was also rock-solid in pass protection. He was credited with allowing just two sacks, and was whistled for two penalties all season long. Zeitler was durable, playing 1,047 total snaps on offense, and he only allowed 18 quarterback pressures. He was the definition of a steady performer.
Tennessee entered last year's training camp with Saahdiq Charles as their planned right guard starter. Charles abruptly retired in August (and announced a comeback earlier this week!), leaving Dillon Radunz as the favorite to replace him. Radunz ended up starting at right guard, delivering below-average results.
Radunz really struggled as a run blocker, earning a 53.6 grade from PFF. His results in pass protection were also inconsistent. The former North Dakota State offensive linemen allowed six sacks and 23 pressures in protection en route to a pass-blocking score of 63.9. Radunz is currently a free agent and isn't expected back in Nashville next season following Zeitler's signing.
The Titans now have a complete offensive line for Brian Callahan's offense. If Borgonzi drafts Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, the rookie signal caller should have a quality offensive line to protect him.