The Tennessee Titans plan to rebuild the roster in the trenches this offseason, according to new general manager Mike Borgonzi. That has to mean upgrading an offensive line that consistently struggled in pass protection all 2024 season long. Borgonzi's goal should be achieved both via free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft.
Right guard is a definite position of need. Recent starter Dillon Radunz is a pending free agent and isn't expected to be retained. The tackle-turned-guard consistently failed to meet expectations in Tennessee, even though he eventually developed into a league-average guard. The Titans need to do better, especially in pass protection, where Radunz was credited with allowing six sacks this past season.
ESPN recently released a list pairing its top 50 pending free agents with ideal fits. They've identified veteran Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler as the ideal target for the Titans.
"The Titans need to rebuild the right side of their offensive line, and they can start by adding a proven vet in Zeitler," Matt Bowen wrote. "He is a physical inside presence with the power to displace defensive tackles and the movement ability to pull on gap schemes. He routinely wins in pass protection, using his strong base to hold off interior rushers and posting a pass block win rate of 94.4% with Detroit last season."
Zeitler was outstanding for the Detroit Lions this past campaign. He played 1,047 snaps at right guard for a top-three offensive line in football. Zeitler was credited with allowing five sacks, but just 18 total pressures. His overall grade in pass protection was a 71.8 according to Pro Football Focus. He was downright dominant as a run blocker according to their grading model, scoring an 87.2.
The caveat with Zeitler is age. He'll turn 35 in March, approximately one week before hitting free agency. With the Titans apparently taking a slow-burn approach to building their roster, signing a 35-year-old may not be Tennessee's preferred approach.
Interestingly enough, Zeitler just missed crossing paths with Titans coaching staff and front-office members. He left the Cincinnati Bengals a few seasons before Brian Callahan joined as offensive coordinator. He then spent two seasons with the Cleveland Browns (2017-18), departing that destination before Bill Callahan arrived as offensive line coach. He spent one year with Dennard Wilson in Baltimore, but that is unlikely to have an impact on Tennessee's decision
Zeitler would upgrade Tennessee's right guard spot, but age must be taken into consideration.