Packers signing tight end Marcedes Lewis, per report
The Green Bay Packers have added some much-needed depth at tight end.
Marcedes Lewis broke the news on his own Instagram account.
Or at least that’s what it looks like.
Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel had reported that Lewis was meeting with the Packers on Thursday. Judging by Lewis’ photo, the meeting went well.
It appears the Packers have signed another tight end. pic.twitter.com/e2OXxXEsIE
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) May 24, 2018
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network confirmed it on Twitter.
Former #Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis has, in fact, signed with the #Packers. Active free agent period continuing in May.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 24, 2018
This is a smart signing by general manager Brian Gutekunst.
Despite signing Jimmy Graham earlier this offseason, the team still needed more depth at the position. Behind backup tight end Lance Kendricks, who didn’t play well last season, the Packers lacked depth.
Lewis, the 6-foot-6 tight end who spent 12 seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, will give head coach Mike McCarthy solid backup behind Graham.
But he won’t just be brought in as a reserve.
Lewis is easily the best blocking tight end on the team. Don’t believe me? Just check out this stat:
Packers' target Marcedes Lewis was the top graded run blocker among tight ends last season according to @PFF. Wasn't over a small sample size, either. 517 run-blocking snaps. Could be ideal complement at TE.
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) May 23, 2018
If the 34-year-old can continue to block as effectively as he did last season, he will see plenty of the field in Green Bay.
Lewis will also offer the Packers another strong red zone target, as if they needed another one. Lewis isn’t going to take on a significant role as a receiver any time soon, but he’s good enough to see some targets.
While the big money signings are likely to be over around the NFL — unless Dez Bryant signs a long-term deal somewhere — there are still moves to be made. This is a smart signing by Gutekunst, who didn’t address the tight end position during the 2018 NFL Draft last month.
Between Graham, Lewis and Kendricks, the Packers can feel confident heading into the summer with this trio of tight ends.
Green Bay needed another tight end. Gutekunst has got one, and the entire offense will benefit from the arrival of Lewis.
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What are your thoughts on the signing?