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Let’s get to know the newest member of the New York Giants, offensive guard Kevin Zeitler, acquired from the Cleveland Browns in Friday’s blockbuster trade for Olivier Vernon.
He has been durable
Zeitler has not missed a game in four years, and has missed only eight games in his seven-year career. He has played 104 NFL games, with 103 starts, all at right guard.
Zeitler is an outstanding pass blocker
Newly acquired #NYGiants G Kevin Zeitler was PFF's Top Graded Pass Blocking Guard this past season for Cleveland#GiantsPride https://t.co/nnG0c6OG3Y
— PFF NY Giants (@PFF_Giants) March 8, 2019
Zeitler was PFF’s highest-graded pass blocking guard in 2018, and his pass-blocking efficiency score of 98.9 was tied for the best in the league among qualifying guards.
Zeitler surrended just two sacks last season, per STATS. The only season of his career in which he allowed more than 2.5 sacks was his rookie year, 2012, when he gave up 4.5.
Today is his birthday!
Zeitler turned 29 on Friday. Happy birthday, Kevin. Welcome to the Giants!
Big money deal
When he signed his five-year, $60 million deal with the Browns in 2017 he was the highest-paid guard in the NFL. Currently, Zack Martin (6 years, $84 million) and Andrew Norwell (5 years, $66.5 million) are the only guards who make more.