The Denver Broncos are in the market for offensive help. They have been linked to a potential deal for a wide receiver. But the Broncos have shown their hand when it comes to the tight end position, including in former Jacksonville Jaguars star Marcedes Lewis.
Lewis was the No. 28 overall pick of the 2006 draft.
After 12 seasons in Duval, Lewis signed with the Green Bay Packers. He spent five seasons with the Packers from 2018 through 2022.
Broncos Bring ‘Big Dog’ Marcedes Lewis in for Workout
GettyMarcedes Lewis #84 of the Chicago Bears on the field against the Los Angeles Rams.
Lewis spent two seasons with the Bears, but he has not been with any organization this season, which could be informative for the Broncos. Still, he is one of the most respected players in the NFL, both by players and coaches who have been around him.
“The #Broncos worked out 41-year-old free agent TE Marcedes Lewis today,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on X on October 28.
Lewis has 437 receptions for 5,115 yards and 40 touchdowns in his career.
“They won’t find a better person (and) a better presence in the locker room,” a source close to Lewis said, per The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson. “He still has game and can block as good as anyone.”
The Broncos missed out on two other options in Ben Sims and Brenden Bates, who joined the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns, respectively, due to their higher waiver claims.
However, Lewis’ best ability is arguably his durability.
“He’s been remarkably durable as he’s aged,” Denver Sports’ Andrew Mason posted on X amid the news of the Broncos’ interest in Lewis. “He’s missed just one game over the previous eight seasons.”
Lewis has earned $64.5 million in his career, per Over The Cap, but his last contract was worth $2 million over one year.
Broncos Cause Stir With TE Interest
GettyMarcedes Lewis #84 of the Chicago Bears catches a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Broncos’ misses fueled speculation amid a report from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini noting the team was “monitoring” the market for tight ends before the 2025 trade deadline.
It is unclear if the Broncos would have plans beyond Lewis, but his reputation precedes him.
“The Broncos are actively searching for another tight end,” Tomasson posted on X on October 28. “Marcedes Lewis, who tried out today, is 41 and obviously a consummate veteran. The 19-year veteran last played last season with Chicago.”
Lewis also shares a common background with Broncos general manager George Paton as a former UCLA Bruin.
9News’ Mike Klis noted on X on October 28 that Lewis has “settled into a blocking role.”
Klis also called Lewis a “physical freak,” adding that he “is still a quality run blocker. And regarded as great locker room presence.” The Denver Post’s Luca Evans noted Lewis is a “big name” and that the Broncos are “clearly looking for blocking-TE help.”
Fittingly, Lewis’ nickname is “Big Dog,” which speaks both to his physical stature and the respect he has earned throughout his career, which includes a Pro Bowl in 2010.
Broncos Offer Glimmer of Hope About Veteran TE
GettyNate Adkins #45 of the Denver Broncos on the field against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Part of the reason the Broncos are exploring options like Lewis is that they are banged up at the tight end position and have already felt the brunt of being short-handed there.
Evan Engram missed one game with a back injury and was hindered by a calf issue in another one. The Broncos are currently navigating an issue with Nate Adkins, who doubles as a fullback, but is dealing with a knee injury.
He is not the only one whom the Broncos are still missing despite rostering two prospects.
“#Broncos have concerns at TE,” Tomasson posted on X before reports of Denver’s interest in Lewis surfaced. “Nate Adkins suffered knee injury vs Cowboys. And as we reported yesterday Lucas Krull had foot surgery & out about 8 more weeks. Broncos seeking 3rd TE after Evan Engram & Adam Trautman since Caleb Lohner and Patrick Murtagh are raw.”
In a potentially encouraging development, the Broncos did not place Adkins on injured reserve. That could indicate they expect him to miss fewer than four games.
That could explain why the Broncos made an early effort to make contact with Lewis.
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