Right guard is one of the biggest needs on the LA Chargers' roster this offseason. With ample cap space to spend, Kansas City's Trey Smith emerged as the dream target for many fans being the best right guard available this offseason.
Unfortunately for the Chargers, Smith is not going to hit the free-agent market after all. Smith will be franchise-tagged by the Chiefs, which is a reversal of what was reported earlier in the offseason.
The Chargers now have to go back to the drawing board to come up with alternative plans for the right guard position. As far as the free-agent market goes, there is one glaring veteran who makes all the sense in the world for the Bolts.
Chargers must sign Kevin Zeitler after Trey Smith franchise tag
Kevin Zeitler is the most logical right guard to bring in after Smith was slapped with the franchise tag. The only problem is that without Smith on the market, these mid-tier guards will likely receive larger contracts in free agency than expected.
Pro Football Focus projects Zeitler to receive a one-year, $6.25 million contract. That would be a home-run price for the Chargers, but with more leverage, it wouldn't be surprising if Zeitler can spin a two-year deal in the $18 million range.
Either way, Zeitler would be a great veteran addition to what is a rather young offensive line. Zeitler, who has always been a quality starting guard in the NFL, had a tremendous season with the Detroit Lions in 2024. The veteran guard finished with the third-highest run-blocking grade on PFF and 32nd among 135 guards in pass-blocking grade.
Zeitler may not be a top-tier pass-blocker but he is an elite run blocker who can hold his own in pass pro. He certainly would be a massive upgrade over Trey Pipkins.
There are also longstanding ties with Zeitler that make this partnership more likely this offseason. Prior to his one-year stint in Detroit, Zeitler spent three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens while Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz was part of the front office.
Hortiz has made a habit out of signing former Ravens to the Chargers' roster. Zeitler would simply be another addition to this trend, and a good one at that.