• Sat. Feb 15th, 2025

Bengals encouraged to pursue Lions $6 million starter as remedy for urgent need.

ByGbemiro Timmy

Jan 27, 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals came close to reaching the playoffs in the 2024 season. The squad concluded with a 9-8 record and is aiming to enhance their performance to reach the playoffs next season.

 

The Bengals possess a substantial amount of cap space ($47.4 million) this offseason, as only seven teams are expected to have greater amounts, according to Over the Cap. The team features a new defensive coordinator and boasts one of the top quarterbacks in the league, Joe Burrow.

 

Improving the protection for Burrow must be a key focus this offseason. In 2024, only four quarterbacks were sacked more often than Burrow, who was taken down 48 times.

 

Russ Heltman from Sports Illustrated recently provided a free-agent recommendation to assist the Bengals’ offensive line. Heltman noted that the Bengals are pursuing Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler during free agency.

 

The experienced Zeitler had a remarkable 2024 season, attaining an 86.8 PFF grade that placed him fifth among 135 eligible guards. Cincinnati knows Zeitler well, as the guard was with the team from 2012 to 2016. Concerning a reunion between Zeitler and Cincinnati, Heltman provided the subsequent remarks:

 

“The ambiance of Motor City inspired Zeitler to achieve an outstanding 86.8 PFF grade over 1,047 regular-season snaps (the best grade since his 2014 season with the Bengals, third among guards for 2024),” he noted. Bringing in the 34-year-old on a one-year contract might serve as an instant solution for one of the few significant weak areas in Cincinnati’s offense.

The experienced Zeitler had a remarkable 2024 season, achieving an 86.8 PFF grade that placed fifth out of 135 eligible guards. Cincinnati knows Zeitler well, as he was a guard for the team from 2012-16. Concerning a Zeitler-Cincinnati gathering, Heltman provided the subsequent insight:

 

“The atmosphere of the Motor City inspired Zeitler to achieve an impressive 86.8 PFF grade over 1,047 regular-season snaps (the best grade since his 2014 season with the Bengals and third among guards for 2024),” he stated. Bringing in the 34-year-old on a one-year contract might be a quick solution for one of the few significant weaknesses in Cincinnati’s offense.

 

“Zeitler has performed at a top level for years without any indication of decline, and PFF anticipates he will secure a one-year contract valued at $6.25 million.”

 

The Bengals can easily pay for Zeitler, so if both sides are interested, a reunion is likely. The Bengals presently have Alex Cappa as their right guard, yet Cappa faced significant difficulties in 2024 and might be a cap casualty this offseason. Releasing Cappa would save roughly $8 million in cap space.

 

By the time the 2025 season arrives, Zeitler will be 35, yet the seasoned player has exhibited no indications of deceleration thus far. Zeitler received his inaugural Pro Bowl selection in 2023 and very well could have earned another in 2024. A one- or two-year contract should be adequate for Zeitler if the Bengals show interest.

 

 

 

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