Bears Sign Veteran TE Marcedes Lewis
Free agent tight end Marcedes Lewis has agreed to a one-year deal with the Bears, he confirmed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter in a text message Friday.
Marcedes Lewis (2022)
– Averaged 41% of offensive snaps
– Played at least 22 offensive snaps in 15 of 17 games (451 total)
– Caught six of seven targets (66 yards)
– Scored two touchdowns
– Played special teams in all 17 games
– Zero penalties (also none in 2021) pic.twitter.com/0DMq4h8SOe— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) August 4, 2023
This year marks the veteran’s 18th NFL season, which would break a tie with Jason Witten and Tony Gonzalez for the most seasons ever played at the position. Lewis, 39, has played in 251 career games, which ranks fifth among active players and 52nd all-time. He spent the past five seasons with the Packers, catching 57 passes for 582 yards and six touchdowns. Lewis will be more of a blocking tight end than a pass catcher in Chicago’s offensive scheme.
Lewis and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy spent three seasons together in Green Bay (2019-21). The 17-year veteran, a favorite of former Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, reunites with former teammates Robert Tonyan, Lucas Patrick, and Equanimeous St. Brown. Patrick shared his excitement over the signing with a post on Twitter:
BIG DOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/aG4HgJoQ8F
— Lucas Patrick (@lucaspatrick62) August 4, 2023
Lewis joins a tight end room in Chicago headlined by Cole Kmet, Jake Tonges, and Tonyan. He spent his first 12 seasons with the Jaguars after being drafted No. 28 overall in 2006. He has 432 career receptions for 5,084 yards and 39 touchdowns. Lewis made the Pro Bowl in 2010.
This is the second free agent signing in 24 hours for the Bears. Chicago inked defensive end Yannick Ngakoue to a one-year, $10.5 million contract Thursday night. The Bears had an estimated $28 million in salary cap space before the two signings, which was the most in the NFL.
