Just because the Baltimore Ravens couldn't agree with Pro Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler on a new deal, doesn't mean they won't eventually.
Despite the optimism, The Athletic's Ravens reporter Jeff Zrebiec stated that it was "unlikely" that Zeitler would be back as the 33-year-old is set to hit free agency.
Zrebiec also acknowledged that despite the difficulty Baltimore could have regarding keeping their most consistent linemen, the 2024 NFL Draft being full of top offensive line prospects could give the team more incentive to let Zeitler walk.
The former first-round pick out of Wisconsin reached his first Pro Bowl this past season with Baltimore while helping an offense led by MVP winner Lamar Jackson win a league-high 13 games in the regular season.
"He's been a Pro Bowler," Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said of Zeitler. "This is his first year, but in my mind, he's been a Pro Bowler."
The issue with Baltimore is not that they want Zeitler to stay a Raven, but that there are quite a few other players they have to make major decisions on. Pro Bowl stars like Patrick Queen and Justin Madubuike are in line for major extensions, while fellow offensive linemen like John Simpson are also free to explore other options on the open market.
Simpson is almost seven years younger than Zeitler and could cost a little less than someone coming off a Pro Bowl. With further questions surrounding the offensive line, particularly at tackle, the Ravens may need to make a legitimate decision on whether it's worth keeping an aging offensive lineman over adjusting the position in the draft.
Whatever happens, it's clear the Ravens may be at the point of no return when it comes to one of their key pieces from the 2023 squad.
He may not be the only one either.
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