Chiefs Sign Stud O-Lineman to Replace Starter in Latest Free Agency Prediction

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to have many key pieces enter free agency this offseason. Among those players is right guard Trey Smith.

Since entering the league in 2021, Smith has become one of the best interior offensive linemen in the NFL. As a result, he will command a high price tag that the Chiefs likely won't be able to match. That leaves Kansas City with a big hole to fill on the interior of their offensive line. Luckily, in a recent Bleacher Report article, Lions guard Kevin Zeitler was projected to be signed by the Chiefs.

Chiefs News: Kevin Zeitler projected to replace Trey Smith this offseason on Chiefs offensive line

Bleacher Report had this to say about the Chiefs potentially adding Zeitler:

"Kansas City needs to find a proven veteran if Smith leaves elsewhere for a lucrative contract. Kevin Zeitler would be the perfect fit. The 34-year-old has come to Detroit and played at an elite level this season."

- Bleacher Report

This season, Zeitler has only allowed four sacks, four QB hits, 13 QB pressures, and one penalty, according to PFF. That level of play has graded out to an overall grade of 90.0, with a 75.5 in pass blocking and an 88.5 in run blocking.

Bringing that in to replace Smith wouldn't be a bad option. However, next season will be Zeitler's age 35 season. While projecting when a player's level of play will start to fall off is difficult, the older they get, the more likely it is that a falloff is near.

That's not to say that Zeitler won't be good for another few years, but no one knows. Ultimately, if Zeitler is the best option available that's not named Trey Smith, then GM Brett Veach needs to do anything he can to sign him.

Even if Zeitler is only a stop-gap offensive lineman, the Chiefs need to keep the interior of that line strong.

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