Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez USA Today Sports

12-year veteran guard Kevin Zeitler signed a new contract with the Detroit Lions. Zeitler, a former first-round pick, spent the 2023 season with the Baltimore Ravens but has also played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants.

Kevin Zeitler, Detroit Lions, Agree to Contract

Despite having a stellar career, the 2023 season marked the first time Kevin Zeitler earned a spot in the Pro Bowl. This was well overdue, as the offensive lineman had yet another strong season protecting Lamar Jackson. Starting and appearing in 15 games, the offensive lineman finished the season with a 71.6 PFF grade, the 15th-best mark among 79 guards. The Ravens themselves had an equally strong season, finishing with the best record in the AFC and making it all the way to the AFC Championship Game before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kevin Zeitler originally entered the NFL as a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Selected by the Cincinnati Bengals, the Wisconsin product immediately earned a starting job of the offensive line. As part of one of the better offensive lines in the game, Zeitler started all 16 games while helping guide the team to the playoffs.

Kevin Zeitler remained Cincinnati’s primary starting guard throughout his rookie season. However, after the 2016 season, the offensive lineman signed a new deal with the divisional rival Cleveland Browns. Zeitler maintained his high level of play before, but these teams were unable to make it to the playoffs.

After that, Kevin Zeitler signed a new contract with the New York Giants. Starting and appearing in 31 of a possible 32 games, the right guard helped keep Daniel Jones upright, but was still unable to secure that elusive first playoff win.

Following the 2020 campaign, Zeiter returned to the AFC North to join the Baltimore Ravens. The longtime veteran spent three years with Baltimore, appearing in 49 of a possible 51 games while helping create one of the best offensive lines in the game.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner shares massive Juan Soto contract update
Steelers' Cameron Heyward addresses contract holdout
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney gives smug response about not using transfer portal
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Watch: Chris Kreider's natural third-period hat trick shatters Hurricanes' comeback hopes
Veteran NFL safety will either play for this team or retire in 2024
Former Red Wings head coach linked to open NHL job
How Patriots' Drake Maye has already impressed Jacoby Brissett
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry among Forbes' highest-paid athletes for 2024
Steve Cohen addresses if Mets could again be trade-deadline sellers
Tiger Woods ruins strong first round with sloppy finish at PGA Championship
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift
Despite hopes for change, NASCAR championship weekend will return to Phoenix in 2025
Chiefs will achieve something not done since 1927 with 2024 schedule
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump