As the Tennessee Titans gear up for free agency, they're armed with over $100 million in cap space. General Manager Mike Borgonzi faces some pivotal decisions, particularly with 29 pending free agents, 19 of whom are unrestricted. Among these, guard Kevin Zeitler stands out as a key player whose future with the team is in question.
Zeitler, a Pro Bowl offensive lineman, made a significant impact last season. Signed to a one-year deal, he delivered an impressive performance, earning the ninth-best pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus among all guards. Allowing only four sacks and 16 pressures, Zeitler was a rock on the line.
Despite his age, Zeitler is keen to continue his career. With the free agency negotiation window opening on March 9 and the official start on March 11, the Titans are in a race against time to secure his services before other teams come calling.
The Titans' offensive line showed marked improvement late in the season, with rookie quarterback Cam Ward being sacked just seven times in his last five games. Zeitler's contribution was crucial, as he produced the lowest pressure rate among starting right guards at 2.71%, according to Daniel Rotman's data. No other right guard managed to stay below 3%.
Spotrac estimates Zeitler's next contract to be a one-year deal worth $9.2 million. This is a logical projection given his upcoming 36th birthday. The Titans paid him $9 million last year, and they have the financial flexibility to strike a similar deal.
With big plans for Ward under Brian Daboll's offensive scheme, maintaining a strong line is essential for unleashing a dynamic passing attack. If Zeitler is willing to stay with a team in transition, re-signing him should be an easy decision for Borgonzi, ensuring the Titans remain competitive as they head into the new season.