The Detroit Lions have had a busy offseason, with a focus on improving their roster and building on the momentum of their recent successes. One of the significant changes the team is facing heading into the 2025 season is the departure of veteran Kevin Zeitler, who signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency. Zeitler’s departure leaves a hole at one of the starting guard spots, and the Lions now face the crucial task of filling that position to maintain the strength and stability of their offensive line. The search for a new starter is pivotal, as the offensive line is one of the cornerstones of any successful NFL team.
In this article, we will explore the impact of Zeitler’s departure, the potential candidates to fill the vacant starting guard spot, and how the Lions’ offensive line strategy will shape up for 2025. We will also dive into the importance of the guard position, how it affects the running game and the quarterback’s success, and how the Lions can manage the transition to ensure they stay competitive in the NFC North.
The Impact of Kevin Zeitler’s Departure
Kevin Zeitler was a crucial part of the Detroit Lions’ offensive line for the past few seasons. Having played for multiple NFL teams—including the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Baltimore Ravens—Zeitler brought a wealth of experience to Detroit. He was known for his consistency, durability, and leadership. Over the years, Zeitler built a reputation as one of the top guards in the league, and his ability to anchor the offensive line was vital to the Lions’ offensive success.
In 2024, Zeitler played a major role in the Lions’ offensive line, helping protect quarterback Jared Goff and opening lanes for the running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Zeitler’s presence in the middle of the line provided stability and ensured that the offensive line could work cohesively, especially in critical situations such as pass protection and short-yardage runs.
With Zeitler now signing with the Titans, the Lions are left with a starting guard position that needs to be filled. Zeitler’s departure not only creates a gap in the starting lineup but also leaves a leadership void. The offensive line unit, which is often a quiet yet essential component of a successful offense, will need to adjust to this change. Time will tell whether the Lions can seamlessly transition into 2025 without Zeitler or if the team will need to make adjustments in other areas to compensate for the loss.
The Importance of the Guard Position in Today’s NFL
Before diving into potential candidates for the vacant guard position, it is essential to understand the critical role that guards play in an offensive line. In modern NFL offenses, the offensive line is composed of five players: two tackles, two guards, and a center. While much of the focus tends to fall on the quarterback, wide receivers, and running backs, the success of these skill players is often dependent on the work of the offensive line.
The guard position, particularly the left and right guards, plays a pivotal role in both the passing and running games. In pass protection, guards are responsible for helping protect the quarterback by ensuring that defenders do not breach the interior of the offensive line. This is especially important when facing strong defensive tackles and blitzing linebackers who may try to collapse the pocket. A reliable guard provides stability for the quarterback and prevents pressure from forcing hurried throws or sacks.
On the run-blocking side, guards are key in opening up running lanes for the ball carrier. Guards are often tasked with pulling to the outside or blocking downfield in designed run plays. A guard who excels in the run game can create gaping holes, allowing running backs to gain significant yardage. In the case of the Lions, their two-headed rushing attack with Gibbs and Montgomery could rely heavily on the play of their guards to maximize their offensive production.
With Zeitler’s departure, the Lions will need to find a player who can fulfill both of these critical roles—pass protection and run blocking—and do so with consistency. This becomes all the more important given the Lions’ desire to compete for the NFC North title and make a deep playoff run in 2025.
Potential Candidates for the Vacant Guard Spot
Now that the guard spot is open, the Lions have a few options to consider. They can look internally at the players already on the roster or pursue a free-agent acquisition. They could also consider using the draft to bring in a talented young player who could contribute immediately. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most viable candidates to fill the guard position for the Detroit Lions.
1. Halapoulivaati Vaitai
One of the most likely internal candidates to fill the void left by Kevin Zeitler is Halapoulivaati Vaitai, a seasoned veteran who has played both guard and tackle positions for the Lions. Vaitai, who has been with the Lions since 2020, is a versatile offensive lineman with the size and power to play guard effectively. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 320 pounds, Vaitai has the physical tools to succeed in the interior of the offensive line.
In the past, Vaitai has been known for his solid run blocking and ability to protect the quarterback in passing situations. If the Lions want to keep things consistent and avoid relying too heavily on untested players, Vaitai could be the answer. However, Vaitai is more often seen as a tackle rather than a guard, so there may be concerns about whether he can transition fully into a guard role and provide the same level of play that Zeitler did.
If Vaitai is moved to the guard spot, the Lions would need to ensure they have a reliable backup plan at tackle, as Vaitai has been an important player in the tackle rotation. Still, his familiarity with the offensive line and his ability to play both inside and outside could make him the most straightforward solution.
2. Graham Glasgow
Graham Glasgow, another veteran offensive lineman who was previously with the Lions, could also be in the running for the starting guard spot. Glasgow was drafted by Detroit in 2016 and spent several years as a key part of their offensive line before moving on to the Denver Broncos. After returning to the Lions in 2024, Glasgow has been a reliable presence in the interior offensive line and has the experience and leadership to step into the starting role.
Glasgow has been a full-time starter at guard in the past and has shown the ability to be both a strong pass protector and an effective run blocker. His knowledge of the Lions’ system and his ability to work well with the other offensive linemen could make him an ideal candidate to replace Zeitler. Moreover, Glasgow’s experience in big-game situations, having played in both Detroit and Denver, would provide the Lions with a level of stability that could be crucial heading into the 2025 season.
3. A Rookie or Young Player
If the Lions decide to go in a different direction, they may look to the 2025 NFL Draft for a potential solution. The 2025 draft class boasts a number of talented offensive line prospects, including several standout guards who could be ready to contribute immediately. The Lions are in a position to draft a high-level player who can step in and play a key role in the offensive line from Day 1.
Potential draft prospects for the guard position include players like Olu Oluwatimi from Michigan and John Michael Schmitz from Minnesota. Both players are known for their exceptional technique, strength, and football IQ. If the Lions decide to use a draft pick on a guard, it would give them a long-term solution at the position and the opportunity to mold a young talent into a key contributor.
4. Free-Agent Acquisition
The final option for the Lions is to pursue a free-agent guard to fill the spot. While the free-agent market for guards is generally not as deep as it is for other positions, there are always solid players available who could come in and compete for a starting role. In the offseason leading up to 2025, the Lions may look to sign a veteran who can immediately fill the void left by Zeitler’s departure.
Free-agent options include players like Isaiah Wynn of the Miami Dolphins and Connor Williams of the Dallas Cowboys. Both of these players have been solid starters in the NFL and could step in and help anchor the Lions’ offensive line. If the Lions are looking for a quick fix with a proven commodity, signing a free agent could be a good route to take.
Building for the Future
The Detroit Lions are entering a critical period in their development, and the open guard spot left by Kevin Zeitler’s departure is one of the key issues the team will need to address in the 2025 season. Whether they choose to promote from within, draft a young talent, or sign a free agent, the decision will have a significant impact on their offensive line play and overall success in 2025.
The Lions’ offensive line is one of the most important pieces of their roster. With Jared Goff under center and a dynamic group of skill players, maintaining strong protection and creating running lanes for the offense will be essential if the team is to compete for an NFC North title and make a deep playoff run. The quest to fill the starting guard spot will be an important part of this effort, and the right decision will set the tone for the team’s offensive success.
Whether through a veteran acquisition or the development of a young player, the Lions will need to ensure that they find a capable guard who can not only fill Zeitler’s shoes but elevate the play of the entire offensive line. The stakes are high, and with a critical position to fill, the Lions are in for an exciting offseason as they continue to build a contender for 2025 and beyond.