The Detroit Lions added a few veterans during the first week of NFL free agency who should help the team compete for a Super Bowl this upcoming season. Then to begin the second week of free agency on March 18, the Lions signed guard Kevin Zeitler to a 1-year contract.

The financial details of the deal have yet to be disclosed. But Lions media and fans are generally reacting positively to the addition of Zeitler.

“The move to sign Zeitler gives the Lions an immediate plug-and-play starter at guard, in a year in which they hope to contend for a Super Bowl,” The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy wrote. “It also keeps their options open in the draft, allowing them to stick to their draft board and go with the best player available.”

Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III raved about the addition.

“Kevin Zeitler is the embodiment of a ‘bite off knee caps’ type of player,” Griffin wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “The man was doing pass blocking sets at the hospital while his wife was in labor.

“He will fit right in there in Detroit.”

Kevin Zeitler is the embodiment of a “bite off knee caps” type of player. The man was doing pass blocking sets at the hospital while his wife was in labor. He will fit right in there in Detroit. https://t.co/xH5uKwXvKg pic.twitter.com/LWXxURN2LF

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 18, 2024

Griffin never played with Zeitler, but they nearly crossed paths twice in the AFC North.

SB Nation’s Erik Schlitt was complimentary of the signing as well. But he expressed some concern over Zietler’s age.

“While Zeitler will be the presumed starter for now, there’s a real chance he faces competition for his role,” Schlitt wrote. “Because of his age, it’s clear Zeitler is not a long-term solution for the Lions, which may result in them using a high draft pick in order to solidify their offensive line for the future.”

With Zeitler added to the roster, the Lions have their five projected starting offensive linemen for 2024 under contract.