Ex Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis has chance to join exclusive company in 19th season

Ageless wonder Marcedes Lewis has the chance to achieve an amazing feat at age 40. A first-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2005, the former UCLA Bruin is back for a 19th season in the NFL after signing with the Chicago Bears. If he catches a pass in 2024, he'll join a selected list of players.

CBS Sports pointed out on social media that Jerry Rice and Tom Brady are the only players over 40 who've had positive yardage in NFL history. Brett Favre caught a pass for the Minnesota Vikings in 2006 but it went for -2 yards. Last season, Lewis had four receptions for 29 yards. If he has as many in 2024, he will have reached the milestone.

Lewis spent the first 12 seasons of his career in Jacksonville. While he only made the Pro Bowl once, his name is routinely brought up when discussing who the best tight end in team history is. Kyle Brady held most of the records at the position for a long time but Lewis routinely got the nod over him because he was homegrown and his longevity. Having said that, Evan Engram is quickly narrowing the gap.

Engram, who joined the Jaguars in 2022, has caught in 187 receptions for 1,729 yards with eight touchdowns last year. He's already broken most of the records Brady held.

Going back to Lewis, he appeared in 170 games for Jacksonville and hauled in 375 catches for 4,502 yards with 33 touchdowns. He's currently third in most career games played for the Jaguars trailing former center Brad Meester and former receiver Jimmy Smith. At this point, it's hard to see anyone surpassing the veteran tight end. Kicker Josh Scoobe is fourth with 168 contests.

Veteran guard Tyler Shatley is currently the only active Jaguar who's somewhat close at 145 but still has a long way to move up the list. The fact that he's not a lock to make the team in 2024 may hurt his chances.

Marcedes Lewis' numbers with the Jaguars could've been much better

It's easy to forget it now but the Jaguars' decision to release Marcedes Lewis in 2018 came as a surprise. Having played a big role in the AFC Championship role the year prior, he seemed like a lock to return after having his option picked up. But in a shocking turn of events, the team's brass chose to cut ties with him.

To make matters worse, the Jags released Lewis once free agency had already started, and they didn't even let him know. He found out while watching ESPN, and later through confirmation by his agent.

The Green Bay Packers wasted no time swooping in and inking Lewis. Once he left, the Jaguars struggled to replace him until Evan Engram came along. Meanwhile, the veteran tight end went on to have five productive seasons with the Packers, playing 81 games with 64 starts. And while he's experienced a dip in production with the Bears, he's still an effective blocker.

The bottom line is that Marcedes Lewis is one of the most accomplished players to come out of the 2006, and he'll have a chance to do something not many players have accomplished past 40.

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