Ravens' Most Important Free Agent Kevin Zeitler Might Be One Most Likely To Leave
It took him 12 years, but offensive guard Kevin Zeitler finally made his first Pro Bowl as a member of the 2023 Baltimore Ravens.
With an elite Pro Football Focus grade of 69.3, the former Bengal and Giant is set to hit the open market as one of the top offensive linemen available in the entire group.
Unlike other pending free agents that the team is dealing with like linebacker Patrick Queen or pass-rushing dynamo Justin Madubuike, the belief is that the Ravens won't be able to re-sign Zeitler. After all, as well as the guard played, he'll be 34 when the 2024 season begins - not exactly the kind of aging star you would want to throw money at.
Age is certainly a factor when dealing with offensive linemen, but the Ravens' most important need this offseason centers around that side of the ball.
It's what makes Zeitler such an important free agent for Baltimore in the coming months.
Protecting the potential two-time NFL MVP is a vital part of Baltimore's plans. While top defensive players can be replaced, it's harder to replace a guard who performed as well as Zeitler did in 2023.
Baltimore also needs to address the tackle position in either the 2024 NFL Draft or free agency with Ronnie Stanley suffering multiple injuries last year, and the depth in question as an overall unit.
Having to address more than one position on the offensive line is usually never a good thing.
That is what makes Zeitler's pending free agency such an intriguing question for Baltimore this offseason. No one would blame them for trying to move on from a 30+-year-old player, but what if no solution is presentable? Would Baltimore be in danger of not only having a weaker defense but the offense as well?
While Queen and Madubuike are the bigger names over the coming months, the most important might just be the one that is more likely to leave in the coming months.
