The Denver Broncos always had a plan in place with 2010 Pro Bowl tight end Marcedes Lewis, whom they released on Thursday. And just as head coach Sean Payton laid out, the Broncos executed that plan to bring Lewis back into the fold.
Originally signed in October, Lewis exhausted all of his practice squad elevations with the Broncos. They signed him to the active roster in Week 14 amid injuries at his position.
Despite getting healthier, the Broncos still want to keep Lewis around.
Broncos Bring Marcedes Lewis Back on Practice Squad
GettyMarcedes Lewis #84 of the Chicago Bears reacts after a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Broncos have not leaned on Lewis, 41, heavily. He has a 25% offensive snaps share in the games that he has played, per Pro Football Reference, and has not contributed on special teams as he has in years past.
Moreover, Nate Adkins, who can play tight end and fullback, is returning from a knee injury.
Nevertheless, Payton and the Broncos made it clear to Lewis before letting him go that they remained interested, and he was always expected back.
“There was pretty clear understanding when we needed him with Nate down,” Payton told reporters on December 12. “We created a roster spot. And then, we know we wanted to have him back. So it was more of just managing the roster.”
Sure enough, Lewis made it back to the Broncos.
“Lewis cleared waivers and will be rejoining their practice squad,” The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson reported on X on December 12. “It was just as Sean Payton said would happen.”
Sean Payton Values Marcedes Lewis
GettyMarcedes Lewis #89 of the Green Bay Packers reacts against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Lewis is in his 20th season, and he has earned $64.7 million during his NFL career, per Over The Cap. Lewis’ decision to return to the Broncos, as a member of the practice squad no less, speaks volumes about the culture Payton and Co. have created.
The Broncos’ interest in Lewis is also telling, with Payton saying, “It’s good to have him here.”
“He’s someone you kind of follow his career, and I knew he’d been training. I know he’s in great shape, and he’s a tremendous blocker. I think you don’t want to get caught where, man, it’s got to be jumbo. And so, we brought him in for a workout. Brought him onto our practice squad. I’m glad he’s here. He’s a tremendous leader. I’m anxious for you guys to be around him. So, good first day,” Payton said in October.
“He’s been in the league long enough, where the reports have just been unbelievable anywhere he’s been.”
Marcedes Lewis Etched Name Into History Books in Denver
GettyMarcedes Lewis #84 of the Chicago Bears looks on against the Arizona Cardinals.
Lewis has already caused a stir this season, first with his decision to join the Broncos despite not being with any club since last season. With that, Lewis became the first tight end in NFL history to play at least 20 seasons.
He has been durable, last missing a game in 2020.
Lewis, whose nickname is “Big Dog,” has not drawn any targets in his four games with the Broncos this season, including his start in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
He has 437 receptions for 5,115 yards and 40 touchdowns in his career. Lewis was the No. 28 overall pick of the 2006 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. In addition to the Broncos and Jaguars, Lewis has also played for the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers.
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