Packers: Marcedes Lewis can still have important role in 2020
Marcedes Lewis is a free agent this offseason, but the Green Bay Packers should seriously consider bringing him back.
It could be another year of transition for the Green Bay Packers at the tight end position.
Jimmy Graham‘s future is uncertain and he could be released to free up cap room. Robert Tonyan is an exclusive rights free agent.
Marcedes Lewis may have also played his final snap in Green Bay. The veteran tight end is set to become an unrestricted free agent next month.
However, the Packers should seriously consider re-signing Lewis.
First of all, doing so wouldn’t cost much. Lewis signed a one-year, $2.1 million contract last offseason. He’ll turn 36 this year, so it’s likely a new deal would be similar to this one.
If Graham isn’t brought back, Lewis’ experience would be even more valuable. Without them both, the Packers wouldn’t have much experience at tight end with second-year Jace Sternberger, who is yet to catch a pass in the regular season, and Tonyan, who has only caught 14 passes and played two seasons in Green Bay.
GM Brian Gutekunst could turn to free agency and target a top tight end like Austin Hooper or Hunter Henry, but that won’t be easy. It’s still possible that neither player will be available when free agency begins.
Lewis is still up there with the best at his position when it comes to blocking. His blocking ability in the run game was crucial for the Packers this season. He is a much better fit in Matt LaFleur’s offense, which is why his snap count was more than double than in Mike McCarthy’s system two years ago, according to Pro Football Reference.
His number one job would be to block, which is something he does very well. But he can also contribute as a receiver. He caught 15 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown in 2019. Lewis won’t make a big impact as a pass-catcher but he’s still a capable receiver.
Lewis can still play an important role in LaFleur’s offense and the Packers should consider bringing him back for another season.