Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles—himself a former offensive lineman—has emphasized strengthening the offensive line as a key priority.
During a January 2025 press conference, Poles underscored the significance of controlling the trenches, stating, “If you can’t win at the line of scrimmage, you can’t win in the NFL. It’s that simple.” With multiple valuable picks at their disposal—including the 10th overall selection and two high second-round picks—the Bears are expected to invest in offensive linemen.
However, with their presumed top free-agent target, OL Trey Smith, being franchise-tagged by the Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago may need to explore alternative short-term solutions. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, one potential option is veteran guard, formerly of the Detroit Lions.
Bears Should Consider Signing Veteran OL Kevin Zeitler
Biggs noted that Zeitler has expressed interest in playing for the Bears in the past but has yet to receive an opportunity.
“Kevin Zeitler played last season for the Lions. The Waukesha, Wis., native told me after the Thanksgiving Day game at Ford Field that he has tried to get interest from the Bears in the past,” Biggs wrote.
Zeitler, who turns 35 on March 8, would likely be a short-term solution but could still be a valuable addition, particularly if the Bears also pursue free-agent center Drew Dalman. Pairing Zeitler with a young guard from the draft would give Chicago three new starters on the interior offensive line.
Despite his age, Zeitler remains a dependable lineman, excelling in both pass protection and run blocking. In 2024, he earned a 71.8 pass-blocking grade and an 87.2 run-blocking grade from PFF. For a Bears team that ranked 22nd in pass-blocking efficiency last season, Zeitler’s presence at right guard could provide much-needed stability. Additionally, his durability is a major asset—he has started at least 15 games in each of the past 10 seasons.
Zeitler’s Fit in Ben Johnson’s System
Beyond his skill set, Zeitler’s familiarity with new Bears head coach Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme makes him an even more appealing option. Having played under Johnson in Detroit last season, Zeitler would bring valuable experience and leadership to Chicago’s offensive line.
According to PFF, Zeitler allowed just three sacks and 19 total pressures in 2023—numbers that would be a significant improvement over the Bears’ interior line play last season. His ability to handle power rushers while maintaining the mobility to execute combo blocks makes him a natural fit, especially in a run-heavy scheme designed to support quarterback Caleb Williams.
With the Bears looking to bolster their offensive line, adding a veteran like Zeitler could be a smart move, providing both immediate impact and leadership while allowing Chicago to develop young talent for the future.