Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Packers Lose Veteran To Rival Bears In Free Agency

Originally posted on Packers Coverage | By Kenneth Teape | Last updated 8/4/23

The Green Bay Packers have opted for a youth movement during the 2023 season. While it could lead to a step back with their record this year, ownership and the front office know this is what’s best for the long-term health of the franchise.

That meant saying goodbye to numerous veterans who have been key contributors for years this offseason. Aaron Rodgers, Allen Lazard, Adrian Amos and Randall Cobb all landed with the New York Jets. But, their rival Chicago Bears have gotten into the fray.

On Friday it was announced that the Bears had signed veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis. Lewis is the second Packers tight end to sign in the Windy City this offseason, as he will be joining Robert Tonyan in Chicago.

The #Bears are finalizing a deal with veteran TE Marcedes Lewis, per sources.

This will be Lewis’ 18th NFL season — breaking a tie with Jason Witten and Tony Gonzalez for the most ever played by a tight end. pic.twitter.com/irDF3VSYF4
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 4, 2023

2023 is going to be a record-setting year for Lewis, as he is entering his 18th season in the NFL. That is a record for the tight end position that the recently turned 39-year-old could have for a very long time. Who knows, he could keep adding onto it given how well he has adjusted his game over the years.

Lewis originally signed with the Packers in 2018, spending five seasons in Green Bay. While he didn’t offer as much of an impact as a pass catcher as he did early in his career, Lewis proved his worth with his blocking.

Operating at times as essentially a sixth offensive lineman, Lewis is an excellent run blocker, consistently grading out well among tight ends in the NFL. Given the Bears’ proclivity of running the ball, Lewis will be a great fit there.

He and Tonyan are far from the only former Packers present within the Bears. Former guard Lucas Patrick, wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown and former assistant coach Luke Getsy are all with Chicago now.

The tight end spot is one that the Packers opted to revamp with youth this offseason. They used a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Luke Musgrave and a third-round pick on Tucker Kraft. Both have dynamic pass-catching skills but will have some big shoes to fill when it comes to blocking in the run game.

This article first appeared on Packers Coverage and was syndicated with permission.

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