NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Generally, the Titans aren’t going to be looking for guys who are 35 years old.

In Kevin Zeitler, their new right guard, they make an exception to get a veteran presence who can lead a line in need of much repair. It's a one-year, $9 million contract per Adam Schefter.

Baltimore Ravens guard Kevin Zeitler (70) in action during the first half of a NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Kevin Zeitler with the Ravens/ ASSOCIATED PRESS

It’s now, left to right: Dan Moore Jr., Peter Skoronski, Lloyd Cushenberry, Zeitler and JC Latham, with another newcomer, Blake Hance, in line to be a primary backup, probably at tackle but maybe anywhere but center.

“Zeitler’s past his prime years, but he’s a serviceable player that has another season in him,” said former Titans scout Blake Beddingfield, who now does consulting work around the league and contributes to this site. “It’s a good deal for responsible money at a need position. This line needed a veteran.  He’s a reliable player who doesn’t miss time.”

In 13 seasons with Cincinnati, Cleveland, the Giants, Baltimore and last year in Detroit, Zeitler has played in 198 of a possible 212 regular season games – 93%.

That pick up on a trend with their free-agent class.

Thoughts from James Foster on Kevin Zeitler:

- Consistent, technically sound pass blocker. Set-and-forget type of player
- Rock-solid anchor
- Good awareness of stunts and twists
- Average lateral movement skills, especially at this point in his career. The vast majority of his losses (which don't come very often) are to quick cross-face moves. Rarely suffers a quick loss -- if he gives up a pressure, it’s usually four to five seconds into the play and the DT eventually wins the edge
- Is immediately Tennessee’s best run blocker. Creates movement off the LOS and doesn’t miss assignments or have many decisive losses
- Athletic enough to block outside zone and make simple climbs to the second level, but not overly rangy/explosive as a run blocker. Adds most of his value at the point of attack, as opposed to out in space
 
-Overall he’s a high-quality starter. I’d probably describe him as a step below Pro Bowl-caliber.