The Detroit Lions have completed another in-season contract extension

The Lions have recently completed several contracts, so what’s one more?

During the offseason, the Detroit Lions signed wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, right lineman Penei Sewell, and quarterback Jared Goff to lucrative contract extensions. Taylor Decker followed shortly after, and only a few weeks ago, running back David Montgomery and defensive tackle Alim McNeill received contract extensions.

The Lions will undoubtedly face some significant contract extension issues in the future, which is the cost (willingly) of drafting as well as they have and having those young players perform as well.

Last summer, the Lions made a nice free agency pivot after it was evident Jonah Jackson was gone by signing veteran guard Kevin Zeitler to a one-year, $6 million contract. He enters Week 8 with zero penalties in five games this season and is currently ranked as Pro Football Focus’ No. 8 guard.

Lions urged to extend Kevin Zeitler during the season

According to David Kenyon of Bleacher Report, Zeitler is one of six 2025 free agents who deserve an in-season contract extension.

“This last offseason, Baltimore’s salary-cap crunch meant the team wouldn’t re-sign offensive guard Kevin Zeitler.”

“Well, the Ravens’ loss has become the Detroit Lions’ gain. After the Lions saw Jonah Jackson leave in free agency, they brought in Zeitler on a one-year contract. The veteran has been a rock-solid starter at right guard. Zeitler’s value was painfully apparent in Week 7, too. While he missed the game because of a groin injury, Kayode Awosika started—and struggled—in his place.”

“Detroit’s offensive line has been a critical part of the team’s recent and ongoing rise. Zeitler is the only starting blocker who isn’t already under contract for the 2025 season, but the Lions should fix that promptly.”

As Kenyon pointed out, Zeitler missed Week 7 against the Minnesota Vikings due to a groin ailment. Kayode Awosika struggled at right guard, picking up three penalties before the end of the first quarter and finishing with an overall PFF score of 45.6. In comparison, Zeitler’s lowest overall PFF grade in a game this season was 62.1 (Week 1).

Zeitler is 34 years old, thus any contract extension would likely be for no more than two years. Spotrac estimates his market value at $10.2 million on a one-year contract. Something like that, with 2026 as an empty year that could be revisited/reworked later, appears to be the type of contract that might be done in-season to keep Zeitler in the fold after this season.