The Baltimore Ravens immediately made noise in free agency by grabbing one of the top linemen available in former New York Giants guard Kevin Zeitler. The two sides agreed to a three-year, $22 million contract, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, with $16 million fully guaranteed.
Rapoport has more details on the situation:
Because Kevin Zeitler was released, Baltimore could sign Kevin Zeitler without waiting. And in a guard market that’s not as deep as it’s been over the years, Zeitler cashes in. https://t.co/ZpH4xG6Rhd
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2021
Zeitler first made a name in the league with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he played the first five seasons of his career from 2012 to 2016. He then signed a lucrative five-year, $60 million contract with the Cleveland Browns but was eventually included as a key piece in the blockbuster trade that sent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to Ohio.
The lineman then found himself playing with the New York Giants in 2019 and 2020. He became a staple on Big Blue's offensive line and started all 16 games for the team last season. Unfortunately, it wasn't a fruitful campaign for the Giants as they settled for a 6-10 record amid an injury-stricken season by quarterback Daniel Jones.
With the team continuing on their rebuilding efforts, Zeitler's stint in New York came to an abrupt end after he was released last week. Given his situation, any team could immediately go after his services, which the Ravens did.
The 31-year-old guard will definitely be a welcome addition to Baltimore's offensive line, which has been showing out with respectable performances in recent seasons.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is hoping that Kevin Zeitler's arrival will allow quarterback Lamar Jackson to produce better on the field as he leads his team back to contention next season. Baltimore is trying to lock Jackson up to a lucrative contract extension this offseason.
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