The unrelenting rash of injuries plaguing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are beginning to mar their incredibly impressive start to the 2025 NFL campaign. That rings especially true when looking at the team's offensive line, or what's left of it, for that matter.
For the most part, Tampa Bay has been able to overcome not having the right side of their protection group since Week 3. However, they can only fill the voids of Luke Goedeke and Cody Mauch with replacement-level players for so long. With that in mind, Tennessee Titans veteran guard Kevin Zeitler stands out as an ideal target for the four-time reigning NFC South champions.
Titans OG Kevin Zeitler makes for a perfect Buccaneers trade target
Goedeke is expected to return later this season, but Mauch isn't, so working the phones to adequately address the latter's absence would behoove Tampa Bay. With the Nov. 4 trade deadline rapidly approaching, time is of the essence for Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht. Enter Zeitler, an impending free agent on a hapless Titans squad that recently fired its head coach.
Zeitler's contractual status and the league-wide "need of O-line aid" are prime reasons why the rebuilding Titans would move him, as Kevin Patra of NFL.com mentioned. Given the the organizational state of affairs accruing draft capital is the best path forward for Tennessee. The 35-year-old would certainly garner interest and command a late Day 2/early Day 3 selection, and the Bucs profile as an ideal suitor.
Tampa Bay is tied for Pro Football Focus' (PFF) 19th-ranked pass-blocking offensive line and 28th in run blocking ($). Zeitler is no longer at the height of his powers, but he's provided elite contributions in both areas of the game and is still dependable. Adding him to the Bucs could stabilize what's been a revolving door of sorts up front.
Look no further than Tampa Bay's 24-9 Monday Night Football loss to the Detroit Lions as Exhibit A of why Zeitler's services are needed. Bucs star quarterback Baker Mayfield was constantly under duress, illustrated by him taking four sacks. Moreover, they saw their ground attack completely neutralized, yielding 41 scorless yards on 12 carries.
Everyone saw the Bucs fail to keep Mayfield upright or pave rushing lanes for running backs Rachaad White and Sean Tucker in primetime. How will Licht respond?
Boasting a 69.0 overall PFF grade, Zeitler comes in at No. 23 out of 113 qualified options. He's earned above-average marks in pass and running situations and has logged a 96 percent offensive snap share rate.