Marcedes Lewis is returning to the Chicago Bears for his 19th season after re-signing to a one-year deal with the team on Monday, the team announced. Lewis just turned 40 years old, and while that makes him the second-oldest player in the NFL, it doesn’t discredit his importance to the Bears.
Year 19 loading 📶 pic.twitter.com/XHM5xK7Ysj
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 10, 2024
The Impact of Re-Signing TE Marcedes Lewis For The Chicago Bears
Veteran Leadership and Presence in the Locker Room
Although Lewis only started four games with one touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the Bears Week 16 victory, that doesn’t mean he impacts the locker room. According to Pro Football Focus, Lewis was the seventh-best run blocker among qualified tight ends in 2023. As one of the youngest teams in the NFL, the Bears greatly benefit from having a veteran like Lewis, who has faced and overcome adversity. Not only that, but he will also be an extremely beneficial piece for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams to learn from and lean on when times get tough next season. Having appeared in all 17 games last season, Lewis has proven to be a reliable offensive asset and a key veteran presence in the Bears locker room.
The Old Man’s Still Got It
Despite being the second-oldest player in the NFL, only behind his longtime friend Aaron Rodgers, Marcedes Lewis remains a valuable asset to the team. Last season, he earned a 77.1 PFF grade, ranking fifth among tight ends, and a 73.7 run-blocking grade, also fifth. Moreover, he was among only three tight ends to rank in the top 30 for receiving, pass-blocking, and run-blocking grades. With Lewis joining Cole Kmet and newly acquired Gerald Everett, the Bears arguably have the best tight end group in the NFL.
Marcedes Lewis and his role with the Bears in 2024-25
Marcedes Lewis has played in 268 games in 18 NFL seasons. The 6’6″ 265-pound TE has 436 receptions, 5,113 yards, and 40 touchdowns in 12 seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars and five seasons with the Green Bay Packers before he joined the Bears. However, with the Bears having two elite pass-catchers at tight end, Lewis will continue to do what he does best, and that’s blocking.
There will be a lot of new pieces on offense for the Bears next season, and while that may create some issues chemistry-wise, it’s always good to have someone who knows his role. Bringing back Lewis, who has nearly two decades of NFL experience, is a massive boost for the Bears. He’s going to be a mentor both on and off the field for the new players, which will allow them to succeed early on in their careers with the Bears.
As it comes closer to the start of the regular season, it’s essential to be mentally and physically ready as a group. Lewis will be vital to the team’s quest to be as NFL-ready as possible. Re-signing Lewis also allows him to pass Jason Witten for the most games played for a tight end in NFL history, which he should be able to accomplish next season in Chicago.
Main Image: Mike Dinovo – USA Today Sports
