The Bengals are moving on from Alex Cappa and likely Cordell Volson as starters, so a familiar face could help keep Burrow upright in 2025.
Ever since the Cincinnati Bengals allowed Andrew Whitworth and Kevin Zeitler to walk in free agency, their offensive line has struggled.
At this point, they seem to have locked down the tackle spots, and Ted Karras is playing very well at center, but they would ideally replace both guards in the offseason.
While it seems unlikely the Bengals could coax Whitworth out of retirement, they could right their original wrong and bring back Zeitler to fill one of their guard spots.
With both guard spots needing to be replaced, the Bengals will need to consider all options. Attacking one spot with a high-end signing like Teven Jenkins or Will Fries and the other spot with someone cheaper, like an older veteran, makes sense.
If Zeitler is open to it, he would be a perfect fit. It would also be great to see a former Bengal come back and hopefully retire in stripes, ideally with a nice playoff run.
Kevin Zeitler
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 315
- Age: 35
- Years Pro: 13
- College: Wisconsin
- Hometown: Waukesha, Wisconsin
Background
Kevin Zeitler played college football near his home city in Wisconsin, a college well-known for developing offensive linemen. He became the latest example of that in his fourth year when he was named a Consensus All-American.
Zeitler would go on from there to be drafted in the first round by the Cincinnati Bengals. With the Bengals, he was a very solid player while never making the Pro Bowl with the Bengals.
When the time came for him to get a new contract, though, the Bengals balked, and he left in free agency. Since then, he has continued being a solid offensive lineman everywhere he went, including getting his first Pro Bowl with the Ravens in 2023 as a 33-year-old player.
Zeitler spent last season with the Lions and will be entering free agency at 35 years old. This could finally be the free agency where it makes sense for him to return to Cincy.
What He Can Bring
The Bengals need a steady presence at offensive guard, and Zeitler can be exactly that. He may no longer be the top-of-the-league guard he was during his first stint with the Bengals, but he should be a solid upgrade over what the Bengals had in 2024.
If the Bengals can add Zeitler and another guard in free agency or the draft, this could easily be the best offensive line that Joe Burrow has played behind.
Outlook
The Bengals should be looking to replace both guard positions in 2025 after the duo of Volson and Cappa was among the league’s worst in 2024. With Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims looking set at offensive tackle and Karras playing well in 2024, even in between Volson and Cappa, the Bengals just need to address guard, and they could finally have a good offensive line.
Adding Zeitler and another guard could finally allow Burrow to step up into the pocket when pressure comes around the outside. Zeitler offers solid protection for Burrow without breaking the bank, and at his age, it doesn’t stop them from drafting someone for the future either.
