Many feared how the Green Bay Packers' offensive line would fare against Brian Flores' blitz-heavy defense. Turns out, it was far worse than even the most pessimistic Packers fans could've imagined.
I caught myself laughing at the absurdity of Jordan Love having two Vikings defenders on his lap before he'd even had a chance to set his feet. A swarm of purple jerseys, unblocked and untouched, flying towards Love, down after down after down. Just ridiculous.
Something has to change.
Week 1 is full of overreactions that look silly in December, but this isn't one of them. The Packers' offensive line problem has been staring them in the face all offseason, and Brian Gutekunst's decision to maintain the status quo is, unsurprisingly, backfiring.
Making any roster addition after one game, whether via trade or free agency, would be the definition of a panic move. A realization that, uh, well, maybe they should've addressed this in the spring.
Panic moves are rarely a good idea, but signing free-agent guard Kevin Zeitler would be the exception to the rule. Gutekunst should be on the phone and booking Zeitler on the next flight to Green Bay.
Pro Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler is 'ready to roll,' and the Packers should pick up the phone
The 36-year-old Zeitler is still an outstanding starting guard, as proved last season with the Tennessee Titans. He surprisingly remained a free agent all offseason with little buzz, which raised questions about whether he had any interest in playing this season.
Bill Huber of Packers On SI found the answer. Per Huber, Zeitler is "ready to roll if he finds the right opportunity."
The Wisconsin native won't find a better opportunity than this one. A chance to return home and play for the Packers? A team with Super Bowl dreams if they can just give Jordan Love any semblance of a clean pocket.
Zeitler could immediately slide in at right guard, a position where he earned Pro Bowl honors with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. He then spent 2024 with the Detroit Lions, playing a key role in a dominant offensive line. Zeitler headed to Tennessee last fall and continued to prove that age is just a number.
In 2025, his 74.5 overall PFF grade ranked 13th among 81 qualifying guards. He ranked 21st in run-blocking and ninth in pass-blocking.
Zeitler would also add 213 NFL starts' worth of experience to Green Bay. There were so many communication problems on Sunday – linemen looking completely lost with their assignments. Zeitler would add some stability next to Zach Bako-Bewele, who is still working his way back from injury.
Kevin Zeitler and Jager Burton could help turn the tide for the Packers' offensive line
The 2014 days of David Bakhtiari, Josh Sitton, Corey Linsley, T.J. Lang, and Bryan Bulaga aren't returning anytime soon. From this point until the Packers' season ends, they will have to make do. Find ways to get by.
Adding Zeitler would provide a short-term fix. Rookie Jager Burton could help solidify the other guard position, at least while Aaron Banks is out.
Burton turned heads all summer and earned a significant share of first-team reps in Banks' absence. It made it all the more surprising when Matt LaFleur turned to Donovan Jennings at left guard in Week 1, which LaFleur said was due to "time on task."
It's the definition of overthinking it. Burton proved he was one of the Packers' best five linemen during camp and the preseason, so why not give him an opportunity?
I mean, it can't get any worse, right? So why not?
And this wouldn't be some Hail Mary. Burton looked ready. Per PFF, he didn't allow a single sack in the preseason, and his 70.6 blocking grade was better than that of every Packers starter not named Jordan Morgan.
"Jager Burton was the best lineman in preseason and he wasn't on the field yesterday. You're going to have a hard time explaining that one to me, personally," said former Packers offensive lineman Mike Wahle on the Pack-A-Day Podcast.
Burton at left guard, Zeitler at right guard. It wouldn't guarantee anything, but it'd sure feel a lot better than starting Jennings and Jacob Monk again, or turning to Anthony Belton.
Signing a free agent after one poor performance would scream "panic move." That's rarely a smart idea, but given just how bad it was and how good Zeitler still is, the Packers should pick up the phone.
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