Chicago Bears finalizing deal with former Packers tight end Marcedes Lewis

The Chicago Bears are reportedly finalizing a deal with former Green Bay Packers tight end Marcedes Lewis, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The 17-year NFL veteran signing for the 2023 season means he will surpass Jason Witten and Tony Gonzalez for the most seasons played by a tight end in the league.

Lewis played in almost every game for the Green Bay Packers over the last five seasons. Prior to his time in Green Bay, he spent more than a decade with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars drafted him in the 2006 NFL Draft out of UCLA. They snagged him with the No. 28 overall pick.

As expected with a player of his longevity, Lewis has had a relatively healthy career. He did miss time during the 2013 and 2014 seasons with a high ankle sprain and calf injuries.

His last contract with the Green Bay Packers was for two years and $5.925 million.

Lewis turned 38 years old last season. There aren’t many players older than him still in the league. The oldest, Tom Brady, retired after the 2022 season following his 45th birthday.

So far in his career, Lewis has 432 career receptions, 5,084 receiving yards, and 39 touchdowns. He also added 16 catches, 153 yards and one score in 10 postseason games played.

The Bears are now Lewis’ third team in 18 years in the league. He’ll play against his former team, the Green Bay Packers, twice during the 2023 season. They take on the Packers at home to start the year and then travel to Lambeau to end the year.

The Bears made another big deal this week, signing Yannick Ngakoue to a one-year deal.

Bears agree to deal with Ngakoue

The team has agreed to a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the veteran defensive end. He was one of the top remaining free agents left on ESPN’s free agents board. Ngakoue confirmed the deal with a quick Tweet on Thursday night, posting a single bear emoji.

The former Colts pass rusher had 9.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss last season after posting 10 sacks in 2021. He’s still just 28 years old with a lot to offer the Bears.

Since going in the third round to the Jaguars in 2016, the former Maryland star has played for three more teams – the Colts, Raiders and Vikings. His last contract was for two years, $26 million.

He’ll be a big boon to the Bears defense that finished last in the league last season in sacks.