Jaguars re-sign Marcedes Lewis to a three year deal
By Tyler Derby
Marcedes Lewis wants to finish his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team that drafted him, and may have gotten that wish by signing a new contract in 2016 free agency.
On Wednesday night the Jaguars inked their current longest tenured player Marcedes Lewis to a three contract extension that will allow him to finish his career with the team. It was a three deal worth 12 million for the former 2006 1st round pick who holds franchise records for tight ends with 331 catches for 4,015 yards and 27 touchdowns in his time in Jacksonville. During the 2015 season, Lewis started all 16 games and played a total of 670 of 1,058 snaps. Lewis’ 16 receptions for 226 yards were his lowest totals since his 2006 rookie campaign (13 for 126). Lewis also went without a touchdown for only the second time in his 11 year career.
Lewis is expected to be the no. 2 tight end behind 2015 free agent signing Julius Thomas. The Jaguars signed Julius Thomas to a huge free agent contract last March f or five years, $46 million with $24 million of that guaranteed. Even though Lewis’ role has been reduced in recent years, he is still one of the Jaguars best pass blockers and his locker room leadership is huge as well. Lewis has always been a team first player and this extension is just another example of his loyalty and dedication to the Jaguars and the Jacksonville community.
The Jaguars have been big players in free agency so far by signing Malik Jackson from the Broncos, Chris Ivory from the Jets, Brad Nortman from the Panthers, Tashaun Gibson from the Browns, and now the resigning of Lewis. I am very excited on what Dave Caldwell has accomplished so far and can’t wait to see how this team continues to progress heading into 2016.