Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is about to feel the weight of the enormous five-year, $260 million deal he signed in the previous offseason. We're being very literal here, as the loss of two offensive starters could leave him under a pileup in the backfield.
The Baltimore Ravens lost two starters on the OL last week
The Ravens traded OT Morgan Moses to the New York Jets last week, after the Jets signed former OG John Simpson in free agency. Now word has hit that yet another key offensive lineman is departing the team.
Kevin Zeitler is leaving for the Detroit Lions
The Ravens have yet another hole after reports came out on Monday evening that they would not re-sign Kevin Zeitler. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Zeitler is set to sign with the Detroit Lions for one season.
Zeitler was a major part of the Ravens offense
The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Zeitler in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. The 34-year-old has been with the Ravens since the 2021 season. He earned his first Pro Bowl appearance for his play last season. Zeitler has started in 47 games in his three seasons in Baltimore.
Per Pro Football Focus, Zeitler earned a 69.3 grade for his overall play last season. He earned an 82.5 grade for his pass blocking and 59.7 for his run blocking. Zeitler gave up two sacks in 574 pass blocks last season.
The Ravens must devise a plan to replace their offensive starters from last season if they want to compete against the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC Championship again. Jackson is coming off an NFL MVP season, thanks in part to the strong offensive line in front of him.
We saw what happened to the Jets with Aaron Rodgers last season when they had holes in the offensive line. That could be Baltimore in 2024 if they don’t add help soon.
More must-reads: