Cleveland Browns: Grading the moves from Day 1 of free agency
Kevin Zeitler, Offensive Guard: 5 years, $60 million, $31.5 million guaranteed
Kevin Zeitler was rumored to be on the Browns’ radar as early as Monday before free agency started. Zeitler fills a hole at right guard for the Browns.
Drafted out of Wisconsin in 2012, Zeitler has spent his entire five-year career as a starter for the Cincinnati Bengals. Browns head coach Hue Jackson is familiar with Zeitler from his time as the Bengals offensive coordinator from 2014-2015.
Jackson knows exactly what he will bring to his offensive line as Zeitler is experienced playing in Hue Jackson’s offensive scheme. The team has had major holes amongst the offensive line since the departures of Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz, and addressing the line in free agency will surely be a major help to whoever is under center in 2017.
Zeitler has been one of the top offensive linemen the past few seasons pointed out by Stack Media’s Jordan Zirm.
Kevin Zeitler has given up two sacks over the past two seasons. Two. Played 2,229 snaps. Oh, and he's just 27 years old
— Jordan Zirm (@JordanZirm) March 9, 2017
GRADE: A
Zeitler is one of the top ranked offensive guards in the league and now will reunite with coach Hue Jackson. Zeitler is the first big-time signing for this regime and shows the organizations’ desire to win and build a strong offensive line.