Tag: Marcedes Lewis

The 40-year-old free agent Cowboys should pursue

There are cheap options who appear to be perfect solutions waiting in the free agent market for the Cowboys, says @ReidDHanson.

Father Time is undefeated. Whether a working stiff lacing up for rec league ball or a pro athlete suiting up in the bright light lights of prime time, at some point age makes its presence felt. For NFL players, age sneaks up fast. The ultra-physical nature of the sport works in direct contrast to physical longevity or long-term well-being. Being on the wrong side of 30 is bad in the NFL. Being just a month away from 40? Madness.

Every once in a while, a savvy quarterback or kicker figures out how to avoid the big hits and unnecessary abuse and survive to age 40, but more often than not, the decline is too severe and the abuse too compounded for these players to continue on. It’s what makes Marcedes Lewis such a sight to behold and possibly even an appealing target for the Cowboys.

Born during Ronald Reagan’s first term as president, Lewis is one of the oldest active position players in the NFL today. The UCLA tight end was drafted in the first round of the 2006 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. At 6-foot-6, 265-pounds, he quickly established himself as one of the most physically imposing TEs in the NFL. He went on to hone his skills as a blocker, carving out a stellar career as one of the best run-blocking TEs in the league.

He’s also impervious to age.

Maybe not impervious, but in May, Lewis will turn 40, and in his own words has his sights set on a 19th NFL season.

“I want to play,” Lewis said in January. “I knew I wanted to play a month ago. My energy, my mind for it, my film.”

Playing for Jacksonville, Green Bay, and Chicago, Lewis has thrived in a number of systems. While he hasn’t dropped jaws with his receiving numbers, he’s made his presence felt with his contributions in the running game.

If he’s signed by someone in 2024, it’s safe to say it will be as a blocking specialist in a backup role.

The Cowboys are understandably high on Jake Ferguson as he enters his third season. Just as they are optimistic about Luke Schoonmaker, who’s entering his second season.

But Lewis fills a niche. He’s a blocker and doesn’t pretend to much more than that. He hasn’t had a 25-reception season since 2013 so it’s safe to say he’s not going to step on Ferguson’s toes. If anything, he’ll challenge Schoonmaker who is recovering from offseason surgery.

Schoonmaker struggled as a blocker his rookie season and overall failed to make the impact the Cowboys were hoping for when they made him their second-round pick. Having Lewis on the roster won’t just insulate Dallas from Schoonmaker’s injury and development, it will elevate their overall effectiveness running the ball.

Graded as the fifth highest performing TE in 2023, Lewis showed he still has plenty left in the tank these days. He has consistently graded as a top tier blocker year after year, all while working in a part-time role the last half-decade.

In Dallas he would improve the Cowboys standard run offense as well as their short yardage and three-TE sets. And if needs be, he can still catch too.

At age 40, Lewis is unlikely to have delusions of grandeur, demanding a bigger role on offense than what Dallas needs. He’s the perfect solution to the Cowboys TE situation and will elevate a part of the game in which the Cowboys have been struggling.

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WATCH: Bears TE Marcedes Lewis scores TD vs. Cardinals

Marcedes Lewis caught a touchdown for the Chicago Bears. It’s a Christmas miracle.

39-year old Marcedes Lewis caught a touchdown for the Chicago Bears. It’s a Christmas miracle.

The Bears are pouring it on the Arizona Cardinals on Christmas Eve and scored their third touchdown of the day, a dart from Justin Fields to Lewis in the back of the end zone. Fields bought time in the pocket, allowing Lewis to peel off his defender for the easy score.

This is Lewis’ first touchdown of his 18th season in the league. The score was set up thanks to another big connection from Fields to tight end Cole Kmet, who has his first 100-yard receiving game of his career while dealing with a quad injury.

Near the end of the first half, the Bears lead the Cardinals 21-7.

5 Bears-Packers connections ahead of Week 1 matchup

There are a number of former Packers now playing on the Bears.

The Chicago Bears will kick off the 2023 NFL season against the rival Green Bay Packers today at Soldier Field.

It’s a new chapter in the NFL’s oldest rivalry, following the departure of Aaron Rodgers. Now, it’ll be Jordan Love taking the reins, where he’ll battle the likes of Bears quarterback Justin Fields.

Chicago is looking to snap an eight-game losing streak against their rivals, with their last victory coming in Dec. 2018.

When the Bears and Packers face off, there will be plenty of familiar faces. Between the two teams, there are some player and coach connections. Let’s take a look:

Jersey numbers for new Bears Yannick Ngakoue, Marcedes Lewis revealed

It sounds like Yannick Ngakoue was able to get his No. 91.

The Chicago Bears welcomed two new players to the roster in defensive end Yannick Ngakoue and tight end Marcedes Lewis, who should serve key roles this season.

The jersey numbers for the team’s new additions have been revealed.

Lewis is listed as No. 84 on the team’s official site. Lewis previously wore No. 89 during his stints with the Green Bay Packers and Jacksonville Jaguars. But the number is retired in Chicago in honor of the great Mike Ditka.

While Ngakoue isn’t assigned a number on the team site, 670 the Score’s Mark Grote said the Bears have him down as No. 91. The number was previously worn by defensive end Dominique Robinson, who now is assigned No. 90.

Earlier this week, Ngakoue made it clear that he would do “whatever it takes” to get No. 91, which he’s worn his entire seven-year NFL career.

“Honestly, I love that number,” Ngakoue said during his introduction press conference.

It seems like Ngakoue made it worth Robinson’s while in order to get No. 91.

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Bear Necessities: Breaking down the Yannick Ngakoue, Marcedes Lewis signings

The Bears signed DE Yannick Ngakoue and TE Marcedes Lewis. We recap that and the latest headlines.

This is our online morning newsletter, Bear Necessities. Subscribe to get the latest Bears news delivered to your mailbox every day.

What’s the latest with the Chicago Bears?

The Bears returned to the practice field for their eighth training camp practice. But the big news coming out of Thursday were the new additions to the roster in defensive end Yannick Ngakoue and tight end Marcedes Lewis.

Here’s a look at the most recent and relevant Bears stories for the morning of Aug. 5.

What the Bears are getting in new TE Marcedes Lewis

We spoke to Zach Kruse of Packers Wire to give us a rundown on what we can expect from new Bears TE Marcedes Lewis.

The Chicago Bears have agreed to terms with veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis on a one-year, $2 million deal.

Lewis, 39, is entering his 18th NFL season, breaking a tie for the most seasons ever played by a tight end. He’s one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL and an experienced veteran with a knowledge of Luke Getsy’s system.

Lewis gives the Bears more depth at tight end alongside Cole Kmet and Robert Tonyan, another former Packer, as well as a veteran presence in the locker room.

We spoke to Zach Kruse of Packers Wire, who gave us the rundown on what we can expect from the Bears’ new tight end and why he could be a good fit for Chicago.

Bears fans react to expected signing of TE Marcedes Lewis

The Bears are expected to sign TE Marcedes Lewis, a move Packers fans hate and Bears fans are loving.

The Chicago Bears are finalizing a deal to add veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Lewis, a former first-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2006, has spent the last five years with the Green Bay Packers. He’s one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL and an experienced veteran with a knowledge of Luke Getsy’s system.

Lewis, 39, is entering his 18th NFL season. That breaks a tie with Jason Witten and Tony Gonzalez for the most seasons ever played by a tight end, per Pelissero.

Lewis gives the Bears more depth at tight end alongside Cole Kmet and Robert Tonyan, another former Packer, as well as a veteran presence in the locker room.

While Packers fans are busy mourning the loss of Lewis to their rivals, Bears fans are excited about the addition of a veteran presence like Lewis to an already-solid tight end group.

Former Packers TE Marcedes Lewis signing with Bears

Add another subplot to the Packers’ Week 1 showdown with the Bears: TE Marcedes Lewis is signing with the Bears, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. 

Add another subplot to the Green Bay Packers’ Week 1 showdown with the Chicago Bears: tight end Marcedes Lewis, who played the last five seasons with the Packers, is signing with the Bears, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Lewis, who turned 39 years old in May, is entering his 18th NFL season, a record for the tight end position. He[‘ll break the record wearing the uniform of the Packers’ top rival.

Signed by the Packers in 2018, Lewis spent five years in Green Bay, serving mostly as a valuable in-line blocking tight end. He played in 81 games for the Packers, catching 57 passes for 582 yards and six touchdowns and consistently grading out as one of the NFL’s best blocking tight ends.

Lewis will join former Packers tight end Robert Tonyan, former Packers guard Lucas Patrick, former Packers receiver Equanimeous St. Brown and former Packers assistant coach Luke Getsy in Chicago.

The Packers moved on at tight end this offseason, allowing Tonyan to sign with the Bears and then selecting Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft in the first three rounds of the 2023 draft. While Musgrave and Kraft attempt to get on the same page with first-year starter Jordan Love, Tonyan and Lewis will be together again and playing in Justin Fields’ Bears offense.

The Packers and Bears kick off the 2023 regular season at Soldier Field on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Bears to sign veteran TE Marcedes Lewis

The Bears are signing another former Packers tight end in Marcedes Lewis, according to Tom Pelissero.

The Chicago Bears are finalizing a deal with veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

It’s a one-year deal worth $2 million, according to Josina Anderson.

Lewis is a former first-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2006, where he played 12 years. He’s played with the Green Bay Packers for the last five seasons.

Lewis, 39, is entering his 18th NFL season. That breaks a tie with Jason Witten and Tony Gonzalez for the most seasons ever played by a tight end.

Lewis gives the Bears more depth at tight end, where he’s among the best blocking tight ends in the NFL. He’s a nice complement to Cole Kmet and Robert Tonyan, who are the team’s top tight ends on the roster.

Lewis is familiar with the offense that Luke Getsy runs in Chicago, so it should be a seamless transition for the 18-year veteran.

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Where will Calvin Ridley, Christian Kirk rank among all-time Jaguars WR duos?

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ duo of Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk have high expectations, but how will they rank against former Jaguars receiving pairs?

Ahead of the 2022 NFL season, the Jacksonville Jaguars invested in the Trevor Lawrence era in a big way. The Jaguars gave former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk a four-year, $72 million contract to give Lawrence his biggest target to date.

The move was met with criticism, but Kirk was crucial to Lawrence’s development into a projected 2023 Most Valuable Player candidate. The Jaguars then made a move for the future ahead of the 2022 trade deadline.

Jacksonville sent a 2023 fifth-round pick and a conditional fourth-round pick that could become a second-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons for wide receiver Calvin Ridley.

The former Falcons receiver became the featured target in Atlanta due to Julio Jones’ decline and departure. However, he dealt with injury during the 2021 and only played five games because of a fractured foot and time off to address his mental health.

Ridley was then suspended for the entire 2022 season for violating the league’s gambling policy. If he can return to form following his nearly two-year-long break from football, Ridley and Kirk will likely form one of the best duos in Jaguars history.

Based on production in a single season, Jacksonville hasn’t seen many dominant receiver pairings in its short history. Ridley and Kirk will automatically be one of the most talented duos Jacksonville has seen, but how do they stack up compared to past Jaguars pairs?

5) 2012: Justin Blackmon and Cecil Shorts III

Heading into the second year of Blaine Gabbert’s tenure in Jacksonville, the Jaguars decided to give him the top receiver in the 2012 NFL Draft. They selected wide receiver Justin Blackmon with the fifth overall pick.

Blackmon didn’t have a great career, but he looked the part of the fifth overall pick in his one full season. The former Oklahoma State Cowboys star earned 132 targets and tallied 64 catches for 865 yards and five touchdowns in his rookie year.

Blackmon quickly became Gabbert’s favorite target, but Cecil Shorts III — who was in his second season in Jacksonville — was the second half of a solid receiving duo. The reliable Shorts had the best season of his career in 2012.

Shorts garnered 105 targets and capitalized on them for 55 receptions, 979 yards and seven touchdowns.

The duo of Blackmon and Shorts didn’t last long in Jacksonville, but their production in the 2012 season ranks among the best single-season receiving duos in Jaguars history.

Blackmon and Shorts combined for 119 catches, 1,844 yards and 12 touchdowns.

4) 2010: Marcedes Lewis and Mike Thomas

In a season in which the Jaguars went 8-8 and missed the playoffs, the 2010 pairing of Marcedes Lewis and Mike Thomas made the season somewhat memorable. Lewis is now a Jaguars legend, but in 2010, he was in only his fifth of 12 seasons in Jacksonville.

He is most known as a blocking tight end, but Lewis had his most productive receiving season in 2010. The former Jaguar pulled in 58 passes for 700 yards and 10 touchdowns to earn his first and only career Pro Bowl appearance.

Outside of the Jags legend’s best season, 2010 also featured the heroics of Mike Thomas. The receiver made the Jaguars’ play of the year when he caught a deflected hail mary to beat the rival Houston Texans on Nov. 14.

Thomas contributed 66 catches for 820 yards and four touchdowns in total during the best season of his career.

Lewis and Thomas combined for 124 catches, 1,520 yards and 14 touchdowns in the season.

3) 2022: Christian Kirk and Zay Jones

Few expected Kirk and Zay Jones to form one of the most productive wide receiver duos in Jaguars history when they first joined the team in 2022. However, by the end of the season, it was hard to deny their impact.

Kirk’s contract distracted NFL fans from the player Jacksonville was adding to their roster. He was a consistent contributor for the Cardinals throughout his four seasons with the team.

The former Cardinals receiver spent the first three seasons of his NFL career in the shadows of Larry Fitzgerald and then DeAndre Hopkins. However, Hopkins was suspended to start the 2021 season, and Kirk produced his best season to date, tallying 77 catches for 982 yards and five touchdowns.

In one season in Jacksonville, Kirk quickly proved his worth. He registered 84 catches for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns as Lawrence’s featured receiver.

However, he had plenty of help from another misunderstood route runner. Former Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders receiver Zay Jones had been in the league for five years. His best season came in his sophomore year when he produced 56 catches, 652 yards and seven touchdowns.

Despite his career slowing down, the Jaguars brought Jones into Jacksonville, and he quickly became the No. 2 option. Jones caught 82 passes for 823 yards and five touchdowns.

Jones and Kirk helped Lawrence transform into one of the league’s top young quarterbacks. The pair combined for 166 receptions, 1,931 yards and 13 touchdowns.

2) 2015: Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns

The 2015 season was former Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles’ second year in the league, and his surrounding cast lifted him to the best season of his career. Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns formed a highly productive duo to help Bortles achieve 4,428 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Robinson looked the part of a true No. 1 option and is still trying to replicate the numbers he produced in 2015. He reeled in 80 passes for 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns in his second season in the NFL.

His yards were the second best single-season total in franchise history, and his 14 touchdowns stand as the most in a single season in Jaguars history.

Hurns played the perfect partner alongside Robinson. He was a dynamic second option that turned 64 catches into 1,031 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Robinson and Hurns combined for 144 receptions, 2,431 yards and 24 touchdowns. They are one of two pairs in Jaguars history to each have 1,000 receiving yards in a season.

1) 1996-2001: Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell

And if there was ever any doubt, Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell are the best receiving pair in Jaguars history. It was impossible to pick just one season for them, as their six seasons together would all rank in the top 10 receiving seasons in Jaguars history.

They are the only other duo in Jacksonville’s history to each contribute 1,000 receiving yards in the same season; they did it four times in six seasons.

Smith and McCardell are also the only duo to have sustained success for more than just one or two seasons.

Smith is easily the best receiver in Jaguars history. He leads the franchise in career targets, receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns and was a Jaguar from 1995 to 2005.

McCardell checks in as the second best receiver in franchise history. He is second in franchise history in targets, catches and receiving yards and is third in receiving touchdowns.

Smith and McCardell played together from 1996 to 2001 and consistently got open for former Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell. Smith never had less than 1,200 receiving yards during the stretch, and McCardell never had less than 800.

The Jaguars legends combined for 1,061 catches, 14,365 and 71 touchdowns during their six years together.

Where will Ridley and Kirk rank?

Assuming Ridley and Kirk are healthy for the entire season, they will likely become at least a top-three receiving duo. Ridley’s past suggests he’s a clear upgrade from Jones. If Kirk plays the same as he did in 2022 and Ridley returns to form, they will surpass Kirk and Jones’s production in 2022.

Ridley’s 2020 season showed his ability to excel in the No. 1 receiver role. He produced 90 receptions, 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns in 2020, so he could give Robinson’s 2015 season a run for its money.

If Kirk reproduces his 2022 numbers, he and Ridley would pass Robinson and Hurns for the second-best receiving duo in Jaguars history. While it isn’t impossible for them to put up numbers similar to Smith and McCardell, they likely won’t catch them unless they stick together for a long time in Jacksonville.

It’s entirely possible for Ridley and Kirk to become the second-best duo in Jaguars history, but they have much to prove in their first season together.