Bears should consider adding Marcedes Lewis |
There was a time when Marcedes Lewis was a bonafide No. 1 TE in the NFL capable of putting together pro bowl caliber seasons every year. That was 10 years ago, and those days are long gone as Lewis enters his 16th season with his NFL career ending. Even if the production isn't what it used to be, Lewis could be an essential piece to the Bears success this season and is certainly worth a look.
With a TE room that consists of Cole Kmet and Robert Tonyan as your top two guys, many wonder where the need for Lewis would be and how he would fit in with this team. For starters, he is one of the best blocking TEs in the game, and for a team that prides itself on being a run-first team, having a great run-blocking TE is crucial to your success. Lewis may be one of the oldest players in the NFL right now, but after spending the past five seasons with the Bears' biggest rival, the Green Bay Packers, he has learned to change his game and is now comfortable with the new role he has created for himself as a player. He may be in his late 30s, which many teams shy away from, but he has proven he can still be effective in different ways. Sure, he may get a catch or two occasionally, but he isn't someone you lean on in the passing game. Lewis is a blocking TE and has emerged as one of the top run-blocking TEs in all of football. There is a reason why the Packers leaned on Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon so much the past few seasons: Lewis made it easier for them to do it. Should the Bears take a look at him, he could have similar results in Chicago, as they, too, have a very deep RB room. Although he is nearing the end of his career, many felt he would follow former Packers QB Aaron Rodgers to New York, so seeing him still un-signed is a bit of a surprise. A big reason for him still on the open market has been the conversations he and his agent have had with other teams. Sure, Lewis and his agent have reached out to teams, but most have just inquired about the TE as they are trying to figure out their rosters going forward. Ideally, teams looking to add a TE want one that can produce in the passing game. That isn't something Lewis has done much of the past few seasons, although he can be an excellent red zone target when you look at his size. That is something often overlooked in the NFL today, and if you have a big target to throw to, it makes life easier for a young QB like Justin Fields. Lewis has made it clear that he wants to play this season, but has also made it clear that he has no problem being patient and waiting for the right situation. All you need to do is look at his film, and the tapes don't lie. Lewis is an exceptional blocker, and some would argue he is the best blocking TE in the game. When you have Kmet and Tonyan as your TEs right now, both are more of your typical pass-catching TEs as opposed to blocking TEs. Lewis would not only be the opposite of them, but he would also bring the win-now attitude that this team lacks. Being a critical blocking tight end has kept Lewis in the league for the last few years, and n it’s something the Bears could still use. They lost last year’s blocking specialist Trevon Wesco in free agency to the Jets and haven’t exactly filled his vacancy yet. Lewis earned the seventh-highest run-blocking grade among 84 tight ends last season, and that shouldn't change in Chicago. He would be reunited with Getsy, whom he spent a few seasons with in Green Bay, so he would know the scheme and how to fit in. Lewis had a five-year run early in his career, where he averaged more than 550 yards receiving per season, but those days are in the rearview. Still, Lewis has had an impressive career, hauling in 432 catches for 5084 yards and 39 TD. That includes just 66 yards and two TD a season ago. Regardless of his production on the field, if you can even get minimal production with a touchdown or two from Lewis, you must consider it a win, as he will make up for that with his excellent blocking skills.
