Packers re-sign tight end Marcedes Lewis to one-year deal

Marcedes Lewis will return for another season with the Green Bay Packers.

The Green Bay Packers missed out on signing Austin Hooper, who was the best available tight end in free agency, but they are bringing back their own free agent, Marcedes Lewis.

According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Lewis signed a one-year deal with the Packers with a base value of $2.25 million. This is a bargain deal for Green Bay that comes with no risk at all, but plenty of upside.

Lewis isn’t a game-changing receiver but he can contribute as a pass-catcher. But where he’s most valuable to Matt LaFleur’s offense is as a blocker.

Lewis’ role increased in 2019 compared to 2018, which shows LaFleur found a bigger role for him than Mike McCarthy. According to Pro Football Reference, he played 45 percent of the offensive snaps last season, compared to just 18 percent in McCarthy’s final season as head coach.

After bringing back exclusive rights free agent Robert Tonyan earlier this week, the tight end room is beginning to take shape for 2020. Second-year Jace Sternberger, Lewis and Tonyan are now the team’s top three tight ends with Jimmy Graham now playing for the Chicago Bears.

While it’s almost certain Sternberger will have a bigger role in 2020, will the Packers continue to add talent at tight end?

Remaining free agents include Eric Ebron, Tyler Eifert and Delanie Walker.

ESPN’s John Keim reported that the Packers have expressed interest in signing Walker along with the Washington Redskins and Indianapolis Colts. That would suggest GM Brian Gutekunst is still looking to get better at the position in free agency.

Re-signing Lewis makes a lot of sense. For a team that wants to achieve balance on offense, Lewis’ blocking ability is so important. And for a bargain price, this was likely an easy choice for the Packers.