The Detroit Lions, a young team, are not resting on their laurels after making an appearance in the NFC Championship Game.
On the defensive end of the ball, general manager Brad Holmes and associates have signed three new starters. This includes a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier in March to acquire cornerback Carlton Davis.
In NFL free agency, Detroit also acquired defensive tackle D.J. Reader and edge rusher Marcus Davenport.
The Lions are now emphasizing the attacking end of the ball while giving Jared Goff additional protection up front.
Pro Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler was signed by Detroit in free agency after leaving the Baltimore Ravens, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
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This action follows Detroit’s earlier free agency loss of starting guard Jonah Jackson to the Los Angeles Rams on a lucrative contract.
Zeitler, 34, was originally selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft as a Wisconsin native. The guard signed with the Cleveland Browns after playing his first five seasons in Cincinnati. with addition to his most recent three-year tenure with Baltimore, he has previously played for the New York Giants.
Even though he is highly underappreciated, Zeitler was selected to the Baltimore team’s Pro Bowl this past season. In his twelve-year NFL career, he has made appearances in 181 of 182 games as a starter.
This strengthens Detroit’s offensive line in front of quarterback Josh Goff. Zeitler will start at guard alongside Graham Glasgow, with Frank Ragnow completing the interior. In the meantime, right tackle Penei Sewell and left tackle Taylor Decker will be the book ends. It appears to be among the NFL’s top offensive lines.
