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The Green Bay Packers have agreed to a one-year contract with veteran guard Kevin Zeitler, adding another former first-round pick to an offensive line that has struggled through the first three games of the season.
Zeitler’s contract is worth $4.05 million and can reach $5 million with incentives, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The 36-year-old was selected No. 27 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2012 NFL Draft and has appeared in 214 games during his NFL career. A Wisconsin native who played college football at Wisconsin, Zeitler returns to his home state after spending last season with the Tennessee Titans.
Zeitler Brings Experience To Packers’ Line
Zeitler started all 16 games for Tennessee last season, playing 92% of the Titans’ offensive snaps. He primarily lined up at right guard, the position where Green Bay has struggled with first-year starter Jacob Monk.
Zeitler has also played for the Bengals, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions during his career. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2023 with Baltimore.
The veteran guard played 864 offensive snaps for Tennessee last season and finished with a 92.2% pass block win rate. He dealt with groin and biceps injuries during the season before suffering a quadriceps injury in Week 18.
Packers Continue Revamping Offensive Line
Zeitler becomes the third former first-round offensive lineman the Packers have added in recent days.
Green Bay signed guard Laken Tomlinson, the No. 28 overall pick in 2015, off the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad and added former first-round pick Mekhi Becton to its practice squad. Becton, selected No. 11 overall in 2020, has experience at both guard and tackle.
The moves come after a difficult start for Green Bay’s offensive line. The Packers rank last in the NFL in rushing at 48.7 yards per game and have produced just 146 rushing yards through three games.
Green Bay also lost right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele to a season-ending knee injury in the opener, further reducing its options up front.
Zeitler Could Start Quickly
The Packers have not indicated exactly how they will deploy their new additions, but Zeitler’s extensive experience at right guard could put him in position to compete for an immediate starting role.
Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said Tuesday that the team would consider using its new linemen as soon as possible, depending on their familiarity with the playbook and game plan.
“We’re going to do whatever we can to put the best guys out there,” Stenavich said.
Zeitler has more than a decade of starting experience and has played more than 200 career games. His arrival gives Green Bay another veteran option as the Packers attempt to improve an offensive line that has struggled to establish consistency early in the season.
