Free agency has not gone exactly how LA Chargers fans were hoping leading into it. With the second-most cap space in the league, fans were expecting notable moves that would build on the foundation established in 2024.
Instead, the Chargers have moved laterally, if not gotten worse, thus far in free agency. The team has done a good job of re-signing most of its free agents, but not all. The external additions the team has made were to replace external free agents and don't significantly move the team forward.
Whether it's the Chargers being cheap or free agents simply wanting to play elsewhere is unclear. In one case, though, it appears that a perfect Chargers free-agent target simply chose to pass on the chance to contend for a Super Bowl to sign with one of the worst teams in the NFL.
Veteran guard Kevin Zeitler signed a one-year, $9 million contract with the Tennessee Titans that the Chargers absolutely could have beaten. However, it appears external factors were in play. According to Ian Rapoport's reporting, it appears Zeitler chose Tennessee with family located in the area and with Bill Callahan as the offensive line coach.
Kevin Zeitler spurns Chargers to sign with Titans
It's impossible to blame Zeitler for wanting to play somewhere closer to family at this late stage in his career. If he is okay sacrificing the chance to win a Super Bowl to be close to family that is his prerogative and he has every right to do so.
Many things are more important than winning a Super Bowl. Family is undoubtedly one of them.
This doesn't make Zeitler's decision any less painful for Chargers fans. Zeitler would have been a perfect fit on this Chargers team and had existing ties to the Bolts due to his time with the Baltimore Ravens. It truly was a match made in heaven... until it wasn't.
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Zeitler was one of the best run-blocking guards in the NFL last sesaon, which would have been massive for new running back Najee Harris. The veteran guard was not a one-trick pony, either, as he more than held his own in the pass-blocking department.
Granted, some of his production was helped by the fact he was on the Detroit Lions and got to play next to some of the best to do it. But he also would have walked into the same situation in Los Angeles. Zeitler and Joe Alt could have been one of the best offensive line pairings on the right side in the entire league.
Instead, Zeitler will suit up for a Titans team that has the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and will likely be picking in the top five again next season.