The Chicago Bears could be on the verge of adding a major upgrade along one of the NFL’s most inconsistent offensive lines.
In the wake of hiring former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as head coach, the Bears could look to prioritize one of the more consistently dominant interior linemen in the league to help Caleb Williams and Chicago’s offense take the next step.
“I think the offensive line is certainly an area that we need to get better play from going forward,” Johnson told reporters during his introductory press conference.
Would Kevin Zeitler be an ideal fit for the Chicago Bears?
Both from the standpoint of upgrading along the line of scrimmage, and serving as a veteran “coach on the field” type of role helping younger Bears players better understand Johnson’s offense and scheme, Detroit Lions offensive guard Kevin Zeitler is a fascinating fit.
Bleacher Report NFL analyst Kristopher Knox suggests the Bears could look to pry Zeitler away from their NFC North rivals.
“Adding Kevin Zeitler,” Knox writes for B/R. “Who started 16 games for the Lions in 2024, would be a strong first step. The 34-year-old would be an upgrade over Matt Pryor, who is an impending free agent. He’d also help Johnson install his plan for the O-line and the creative blocking schemes that helped make Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery one of the NFL’s best backfield duos.
“The entire starting interior of Chicago’s line is set to depart in free agency, and the Bears will likely throw multiple darts at guard and center in the coming months.”
Zeitler would obviously be just one piece of an offensive line overhaul, which will likely include some high draft picks, to fortify the line in front of Williams for the long-term.
But, Zeitler would be an immediate upgrade, given that last season he posted an 86.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, as the outlet’s fifth-ranked offensive guard in the league.
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