The Detroit Lions are facing a key challenge on their offensive line after losing starting right guard Kevin Zeitler in free agency to the Tennessee Titans. This marks the second straight offseason where general manager Brad Holmes must find a new starter for the position.
While the Lions could opt to draft a guard or promote Christian Mahogany to the role in 2025, For the Win’s Christian D’Andrea suggests that Detroit may instead target veteran free agent Brandon Scherff from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“With Zeitler gone, Detroit has a clear vacancy at right guard. While Mahogany has the potential to develop into a reliable homegrown talent, adding an experienced veteran—just like the Lions did with Zeitler last year—would be a smart move. Plus, Scherff has spent his career with either the dysfunctional Washington Commanders under Dan Snyder or the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars. He deserves a better situation,” D’Andrea explained.
If the Lions decide to bring in a seasoned player to compete with Mahogany for the starting job, signing Scherff would be a logical move. At 33, Scherff has demonstrated durability, starting all 17 games in each of the past three seasons with Jacksonville. Last year, he allowed zero sacks and only 17 quarterback pressures over 625 pass-blocking snaps.
Financially, Scherff could be an affordable acquisition, as Spotrac and Pro Football Focus project that the five-time Pro Bowler will likely sign a one-year contract valued at around $6 million.
Mahogany may have the potential to become a long-term solution at right guard, but Detroit would be wise to add an experienced lineman to the mix. Given Scherff’s proven track record as one of the league’s top interior linemen over the past decade, the Lions should seriously consider signing him in free agency.
