Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is about to feel the weight of the enormous five-year, $260 million deal he signed in the previous offseason. The weight could come from a 260-pound defensive lineman in the Ravens’ backfield next season after Baltimore could not retain another starting offensive lineman.
The Baltimore Ravens lost two starters on the OL last week
Aug 26, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Morgan Moses (78) works out against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
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The Ravens traded OT Morgan Moses to the New York Jets last week. The Jets signed former Ravens OG John Simpson in free agency last week. The Jets made those moves because they needed to replace three starters up front for the 2024 season. (They added the third when they signed Tyron Smith on Friday evening.)Ezoic
Kevin Zeitler is leaving for the Detroit Lions
Nov 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard Kevin Zeitler (70) looks on from the field after the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
The Ravens are in the same boat as the Jets at the start of the offseason after reports came out on Monday evening that they would not re-sign Kevin Zeitler. According to Adan Schefter with ESPN, Zeitler is set to sign with the Detroit Lions for one season.
Zeitler was a major part of the Ravens offense
Jul 29, 2022; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard Kevin Zeitler (70) practices at the Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
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The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Zeitler in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. The 34-year-old has been with the Ravens since the 2021 season. He earned his first Pro Bowl appearance for his play last season. Zeitler has started in 47 games in his three seasons in Baltimore.
Per Pro Football Focus, Zeitler earned a 69.3 grade for his overall play last season. He earned an 82.5 grade for his pass blocking and 59.7 for his run blocking. Zeitler gave up two sacks in 574 pass blocks last season.
The Ravens must devise a plan to replace their offensive starters from the 2023 season if they want to compete against the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC Championship again. Jackson is coming off an NFL MVP season, thanks in part to Zeitler.
We saw what happened to the Jets with Aaron Rodgers last season when they had holes in the offensive line. That could be Baltimore in 2024 if they don’t add help soon.
