Veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis, who recently turned 40, has signed a new deal with the Chicago Bears, marking his 19th year in the NFL. Despite not being a primary target for passes, Lewis has remained elite at his position due to his exceptional blocking skills. Pro Football Focus ranked him fifth among tight ends in 2023, ahead of most other qualifiers in the league.
Although Lewis caught only four passes for 29 yards and one touchdown last season, his blocking abilities have not gone unnoticed. He outperformed the majority of tight ends who played at least 300 snaps, receiving a grade of 77.1 from Pro Football Focus. This performance placed him ahead of players such as Sam LaPorta, Trey McBride, and Taysom Hill.
Listed as the third tight end behind Cole Kmet and newcomer Gerald Everett on the Bears’ depth chart, Lewis is expected to see playing time on the field. His role will involve blocking for running back D’Andre Swift and ensuring the protection of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Additionally, he may be utilized in three-tight end sets, potentially replacing fullback Khari Blasingame in certain situations.
Lewis excelled in run blocking, ranking fifth in the league, and was also solid in pass blocking, holding the 25th spot among tight ends according to Pro Football Focus statistics. He saw action on 330 snaps in the previous season, mostly on running plays, and ran routes on only 42 occasions. Despite his limited involvement in the passing game, Lewis continues to provide valuable contributions to the team.
Originally drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2006, Lewis enjoyed a successful career with the team before spending five seasons with the Green Bay Packers. Last season, he signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Bears, and his positive impact on the team prompted the decision to bring him back for another season. General Manager Ryan Poles praised Lewis for his leadership and influence on the team during difficult times.
While the terms of the new deal were not disclosed, it is evident that Lewis’ re-signing goes beyond his on-field performance. His intangibles, such as leadership and camaraderie, have made him a valuable asset to the Bears both on and off the field. As he embarks on his 19th season in the NFL, Lewis continues to prove his worth and solidify his reputation as a respected veteran in the league.
