Baltimore Ravens: Grading big free agent additions so far

Kevin Zeitler, OG (New York Giants)

Grade: A

In typical Ravens style their biggest offseason acquisition is an offensive guard Kevin Zeitler who signed a three-year, $22.5 million deal with $16 million guaranteed to bolster their offensive line. This fills a major need as the Ravens started three players at right guard in 2020 and gives them a talented and durable player they can plug in right away.

Still just 30 years old, Zeitler is a nine-year veteran who has played in 135 career games and has missed just one game since 2015. A former first round pick of the Bengals in 2012, Zeitler is a talented pass blocker who has a nasty edge that makes him an asset and perfect for Baltimore’s physical rush offense.

There is little downside to the deal as Zeitler has been one of the more durable players in the NFL and fills an immediate need. Things can change quickly of course but if they do and Zeitler is not up to par then they have an easy out after the 2022 season with minimal dead cap. These are the kinds of moves that smart teams make where they build from the trenches out and make sure their superstar quarterback has consistent protection.