Re-sign or Let Go and Prediction: Packers TE Marcedes Lewis
By Paul Bretl
This upcoming offseason, the Green Bay Packers have 14 unrestricted free agents to make decisions on either before or during NFL free agency.
Over the next few weeks, my “Re-sign or Let go & Prediction” series is back, where I will be taking a look at each of the Packers’ unrestricted free agents, and examining why Green Bay may try to re-sign them, why they would let them walk, and then I’ll make a prediction.
Up next is tight end, Marcedes Lewis. If you’ve missed any of the other articles in this series, you can find them all below.
Why the Packers would re-sign Marcedes Lewis
I think if it were up to the Green Bay Packers, they’d love to have Marcedes Lewis back for the 2023 season. Although he will be turning 39 years old prior to next season beginning, Big Dog was still one of the best blocking tight ends in football.
The Green Bay run game was truly the key to their success on offense from Week 10 on, with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon averaging almost five yards per carry in games where the Packers scored 26 or more points but less than three yards per rush in the two games where they scored 17 or fewer. Lewis, of course, played a big role in the Packers’ rushing attack, often utilized like a sixth offensive lineman. Out of 84 eligible tight ends, Lewis had the seventh-highest run-blocking grade from PFF.
Although more of a run blocker, Lewis also had the 14th best pass blocking grade among tight ends. This was particularly important during the first half of the season as the Packers’ offensive line dealt with numerous injuries and movement up front. Also, because of the attention he draws as a blocker, Lewis did have a pair of red zone touchdowns this past season as well, on a few plays drawn up specifically for him.
Despite playing an important role within Matt LaFleur’s offense, Lewis was playing on a relatively inexpensive deal, with an average annual value of just $4 million.
Why the Packers won’t re-sing Marcedes Lewis
As I already alluded to, I do believe that they would love to have Lewis back because of what he brings as a blocker, but also because of his locker room presence. However, I also believe the decision is completely up to Lewis. Perhaps he chooses to retire, or maybe if Aaron Rodgers is, in fact traded, he chooses to follow him to his new team. The two do have a close relationship.
With the Packers having restructured Lewis’ previous deal last offseason by utilizing voided years, even if not in Green Bay in 2023, Lewis will leave behind a dead cap hit of $1.05 million.
Prediction: The Packers don’t re-sign Marcedes Lewis
This prediction is different from others because there are a few non-football-specific factors that play into the outcome. As already mentioned, he could retire, but if Lewis does decide to play, his future very much feels tied to Rodgers. If Rodgers is in Green Bay, I fully expect Lewis back as well. But if Rodgers is playing elsewhere, I’ll guess that Lewis chooses to join him if he wants to continue playing. Of course, what the future holds for Rodgers is all conjecture at this point, but based on the reports, a trade certainly seems to be the most likely outcome. So for that reason, I’ll predict that Lewis isn’t back with the Packers in 2023.