The strength of the Lions' roster just got a little weaker.
Guard Kevin Zeitler, who started 16 games last season on Detroit's dominant offensive line, is signing with the Titans on a one-year, $9 million deal, per NFL Network.
It's a big loss for the Lions, whose elite offense for three years running has been powered in the trenches. Zeitler was the fourth best interior offensive lineman in the NFL last season, per Pro Football Focus; Frank Ragnow was the fifth.
The Lions could turn to Christian Mahogany to fill Zeitler's role at right guard. A sixth-round pick last year, Mahogany started and played well in place of the injured Zeitler in Detroit's playoff loss. He also excelled in place of left guard Graham Glasgow in Week 16.
Glasgow, 32, is under contract for two more seasons. Zeitler, 35, was on a one-year, $6 million deal last season.
The Lions could also seek Zeitler's replacement on the free agent market or in the draft.





