The Baltimore Ravens are inking free-agent guard Kevin Zeitler, agree to terms early Monday morning. While the deal is already getting rave reviews, it looks even better with Zeitler’s contract details spelled out.
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Ravens are on the hook for just $4.05 million in 2021.
Considering Zeitler has been consistently good and healthy throughout his career — missing just one game over the last six years — it’s a pretty safe deal for both the team and the player. Zeitler gets fully locked in for two years while Baltimore gets a potential out in that third year. While it’s technically a three-year deal, Baltimore can get out of the final year with $6.5 million in savings if they feel Zeitler’s $9.475 million cap hit is too much.
Here’s how Zeitler’s contract breaks down year-by-year:
| Year | Base salary | Prorated bonus | Cap hit | Savings/cost if cut |
| 2021 | $1.075M *fully guaranteed | $2.975M | $4.05M | -$11.95M |
| 2022 | $6M *fully guaranteed | $2.975M | $8.975M | -$2.975M |
| 2023 | $6.5M | $2.975M | $9.475M | +$6.5M |
According to Over The Cap, that would leave the Ravens with $16.76 million remaining. While Baltimore still needs cap space to sign draft picks, stock the practice squad, and keep a little leftover in case of injuries; they’re still sitting pretty after filling one of their biggest needs. And with potential restructures or cuts that can be made to free up more cap space if needed, the Ravens should still be in the mix throughout free agency.
