The Green Bay Packers are adding veteran offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler as they look to strengthen an offensive line that has struggled to open running lanes early in the 2026 NFL season.
According to ESPN, the Packers are signing Zeitler to a one-year contract. The move brings an experienced interior offensive lineman back to Wisconsin, as the 36-year-old guard is a native of the state.
Kevin Zeitler Signs With the Green Bay Packers
Kevin Zeitler entered the NFL as a first-round selection by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2012 NFL Draft. More than a decade later, he has built a lengthy career that includes stops with six different teams.
Zeitler has appeared in 214 NFL games during his career and has remained a reliable presence on offensive lines throughout his time in the league. He spent last season with the Tennessee Titans, where he started all 16 games he played.
His career has also included stints with the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions.
Packers Add Another Veteran Offensive Lineman
Zeitler is the third former first-round offensive lineman the Packers have acquired in recent days. Green Bay has also added Laken Tomlinson and Mekhi Becton as the team works to improve its offensive line.
The additions come at an important time for the Packers. Through three games, Green Bay has struggled significantly on the ground.
According to ESPN, the Packers are averaging just 48.7 rushing yards per game, the lowest figure in the NFL. Green Bay has accumulated only 146 rushing yards through its first three games, its fewest at that point of a season since at least 1993.
The signing of Kevin Zeitler gives the Packers another experienced option in the interior of their offensive line as they attempt to address those problems.
Kevin Zeitler’s NFL Career
Zeitler began his professional career with the Bengals after being selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He spent five seasons in Cincinnati before moving to the Cleveland Browns in 2017.
His NFL journey continued with the New York Giants in 2019 and the Baltimore Ravens in 2021. Zeitler spent three seasons with Baltimore before joining the Detroit Lions in 2024.
He earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2023 while playing for the Ravens, highlighting the level of performance he has maintained deep into his NFL career.
After starting 16 games for the Titans last season, Zeitler now returns to his home state to join the Packers.
What Kevin Zeitler Brings to Green Bay
The Packers’ decision to add Zeitler gives the team a veteran presence at guard and another experienced player capable of competing for an important role along the offensive line.
Green Bay’s early-season rushing numbers make improving the blocking unit a clear area of focus. With Zeitler joining Tomlinson and Becton, the Packers have added significant NFL experience to their offensive line in a short period.
For a Green Bay team trying to improve its running game, the Kevin Zeitler signing provides another potential piece for an offensive line undergoing changes.
The one-year agreement also gives the Packers an opportunity to bring in a proven veteran while addressing an immediate need during the 2026 NFL season.
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