The Baltimore Ravens have been looking for Marshal Yanda’s replacement for nearly a full year to the day. At the very start of the legal tampering period, the Ravens found their guy, agreeing to terms with guard Kevin Zeitler on a three-year deal to fill Yanda’s shoes. As it turns out, the Hall of Fame-caliber right guard got a chance to help with the process.
“I actually reached out to Marshal Yanda; asked him a bunch of questions about the o-line and whatnot,” Zeitler said in an interview with Glenn Clark Radio shortly after his deal was announced on Monday. “After hearing from him, he thought it would be a great fit. It was great talking to him and getting his opinion on everything.”
After Yanda announced his retirement last offseason, Baltimore tried to fill his spot internally, seeing three different players start at right guard in 2020. Unfortunately, lackluster play and injuries made it a revolving door. Zeitler has been among the best guards in the business over his nine-year career and has been healthy, missing just one game over the last six seasons. Still, it’s no easy task replacing a legend, but it’s one Zeitler thinks he’s up to.
“It’s good to be in that spot,” Zeitler continued. “That spot in Baltimore Ravens history is a very good spot, so I’m ready to continue on the tradition.”
No one can ever truly replace Yanda but getting the thumbs up from the big man is a pretty good start. If Zeitler can match his play from the last few years, he’ll do wonders for the Ravens’ offensive line and do Yanda proud.
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