Several roster needs exist for the LA Chargers heading into the 2025 offseason with one of the most prevalent being the right guard position. The interior offensive line really struggled throughout the 2024 season and put together one of its worst showings in the NFL Playoffs against the Houston Texans.
Whether it be via free agency, trade, or the draft, the Chargers need to acquire a new starting right guard who can be an improvement over what the team currently has. Kansas City's Trey Smith has long been considered the best upgrade for the Chargers to make, although his showing in the NFL Playoffs may cause the Chargers to balk at his high price tag.
If the Chargers don't go after Smith this offseason then the next best option at right guard is fairly obvious. Don't be surprised if the Chargers end up signing veteran guard Kevin Zeitler to be the team's starting right guard in 2025.
Kevin Zeitler is an obvious free-agent target for the Chargers
Zeitler is coming off a fantastic season with the Detroit Lions in which he was a key contributor in the team's offensive success. Zeitler has always thrived as a run blocker and his efforts in that area were a big reason why the Lions put together one of the best rushing attacks in the sport.
Zeitler posted an 87.2 run-blocking grade on Pro Football Focus, which was the fourth-best among guards last season (and better than Smith). The veteran guard was no slouch in protecting Jared Goff, either, as his 97.9 pass-blocking efficiency ranked 12th among all guards with at least 500 pass-blocking snaps last season.
For comparison, Zion Johnson and Trey Pipkins tied for 44th among the 52 guards who qualified.
It isn't just that Zeitler is a solid run blocker and pass blocker coming off a great season. It is the fact that he will be available for a reasonable price given his age and has direct ties to the Chargers organization that cannot be ignored.
Zeitler spent three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens prior to joining the Lions last offseason. Chargers GM Joe Hortiz was part of Baltimore's front office for two decades and made a point out of acquiring former Ravens last season.
PFF also projects Zeitler to sign a one-year, $6.25 million contract. This low price tag is due to his age and the questions about how long he can play at a high level. Even if Zeitler ends up costing more on a one-year deal it would be worth it for the Chargers to explore signing him.
The interior offensive line class is not very deep in the 2025 NFL Draft and the Chargers essentially have to replace two starters at right guard and center. Instead of using a weak class to fill two positions, the Chargers could sign Zeitler as a one-year stopgap who still plays at a high level with the intention of finding a long-term right guard next offseason.