The Denver Broncos have given themselves another opportunity to make NFL history, agreeing to terms with veteran free agent tight end Marcedes Lewis on Wednesday. Lewis initially visited the team for a private workout on Tuesday.
Lewis was the No. 28 overall pick of the 2006 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. That is part of what makes this signing so significant.
The other, and inarguably the more pertinent part for the Broncos, is that Lewis could fill a need.
Broncos Sign Vet TE Marcedes Lewis in Free Agency
GettyMarcedes Lewis #84 of the Chicago Bears looks on against the Arizona Cardinals.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported on the move and Lewis potentially making history with the Broncos. Denver sits atop the AFC West at 6-2 entering Week 9.
“Potential history: The Denver Broncos are signing 41-year-old tight end Marcedes Lewis to their practice squad,” Schefter reported on X on October 29. “If they promote him to their active roster to play in a game, he would become the oldest tight end to play in a game in NFL history. In the Super Bowl era, no tight end ever has appeared in an NFL game at age 41-or-older.
“Only two players in NFL history have caught a pass at 41+ years old: Jerry Rice and Tom Brady, per @EliasSports. Rice did it in many games in 2003 and 2004, Brady had one reception at 41 years old in 2018.”
Lewis has caught 437 passes for 5,115 yards and 40 touchdowns in his now-20-year career.
Marcedes Lewis Fills Need in Denver
GettyEvan Engram #1 of the Denver Broncos reacts after a catch against the New York Jets.
The Broncos’ interest in the tight end market emerged in recent days. The 2025 trade deadline is rapidly approaching (November 4 at 4 p.m. ET). They also have some mounting injury concerns with their incumbent group.
“Denver has been in the market for a blocking TE and find one of the all-time greats at his position,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport posted.
Lewis’ figurative stature is a footnote in comparison to the Broncos’ injury woes at tight end.
The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel posted on X on October 29 that “Lewis, 41, helps fill a need with Denver short at the position after an injury to Nate Adkins and a longer-than-expected recovery for Lucas Krull.”
Evan Engram was hobbled by a calf injury in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts. He also missed Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers with a back issue.
Adkins avoided landing on injured reserve, but adding Lewis means the Broncos can rest him.
DNVR’s Zac Stevens posted that “the 41-year-old TE is still viewed as a great blocker. He adds to the room with Evan Engram, Adam Trautman and Nate Adkins,” while CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones posted the Broncos have “January football on their minds.”
NFL World Marvels at Marcedes Lewis
GettyMarcedes Lewis #84 of the Chicago Bears catches a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.
Lewis’ longevity drove much of the conversation around his signing with the Broncos. He is not much of a receiving threat anymore. He has 11 catches for 97 yards and 3 touchdowns over the past three seasons.
Lewis has timeline connections to his new head coach and that of his Week 9 opponent, the Houston Texans.
“Pretty wild: Marcedes Lewis and Sean Payton were rookies the same year — Lewis as a TE in Jacksonville and Payton as a HC in New Orleans,” Gabriel noted. “Payton and the Saints took Reggie Bush at No. 2 overall and then Lewis went No. 28. In between the #Broncos took Jay Cutler No. 11.
“At age 41, Lewis returns for a 20th NFL season as the lone active member of the 2006 draft class,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on X. “How long has Marcedes Lewis been playing in the NFL? His draft classmates included Mario Williams, Reggie Bush, Vince Young, Matt Leinart, Jay Cutler, Devin Hester, Vernon Davis, Brandon Marshall, A.J. Hawk, Andrew Whitworth, DeMeco Ryans, Maurice Jones-Drew and Jahri Evans.”
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