The Minnesota Vikings must solve a fundamental defect that has hampered the team for 15 years.
After witnessing Sam Darnold run for his life and take an NFL record nine sacks in a season-ending playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the Vikings need to address their guard positions.
In 2009, Steve Hutchinson became the final Vikings guard to play in the Pro Bowl. For much of the past decade, the cast has changed often. Since 2016, Minnesota has started 20 different guards across nine seasons.
Despite the continual changing of the guard, few lineman have emerged as constants.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) proposed that the Vikings pursue a rival Detroit Lions guard and former Pro Bowler who could remedy their offensive troubles.
PFF’s Mason Cameron believes Minnesota is the best fit for pending Lions free agent Kevin Zeitler, who could be an affordable and productive addition at guard.
“Zeitler will be 35 years old when he hits the open market, but his long track record of sustained success across multiple franchises should warrant looks from decision-makers,” according to Cameron. “With Detroit this season, Zeitler generated the best PFF run-blocking grade of his career (87.2), proving to be a key contributor during the Lions’ historic season.
“The Vikings need all the help they can muster to halt the constant flow of interior pressure they experienced in 2024, having allowed the highest interior pressure rate (18.8%) in the NFL.”
Zeitler, a 2012 first-round choice by the Cincinnati Bengals, maintained sustained success for over a decade until making his first Pro Bowl appearance with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. He earned $92 million in total.
He signed a one-year, $6 million contract with Detroit this offseason and demonstrated that he still has plenty left in the tank at the age of 35.
In 2024, he not only had the best PFF run-blocking grade of his career, but he also finished third among qualifying guards.
Detroit has an internal candidate to replace Zeitler in 2024, sixth-round pick Christian Mahogany, which opens the door for Minnesota to sign him.
Zeitler, a 2012 first-round choice by the Cincinnati Bengals, maintained sustained success for over a decade until making his first Pro Bowl appearance with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. He earned $92 million in total.
He signed a one-year, $6 million contract with Detroit this offseason and demonstrated that he still has plenty left in the tank at the age of 35.
In 2024, he not only had the best PFF run-blocking grade of his career, but he also finished third among qualifying guards.
Detroit has an internal candidate to replace Zeitler in 2024, sixth-round pick Christian Mahogany, which opens the door for Minnesota to sign him.
In 2024, the Vikings had three guards: Dalton Risner, Ed Ingram, and Blake Brandel. While Risner replaced Ingram midseason, he struggled late in the season.
Zeitler, while more expensive than Risner, is an affordable veteran upgrade. He allows fewer pressures (18 vs. 21) and plays 400 more snaps than Risner. Additionally, Zeitler is a better run blocker.
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