The Green Bay Packers and general manager Brian Gutekunst are serious about beefing up the tight end position. They went hard after Jimmy Graham when free agency opened and they got him. Today, they added veteran Marcedes Lewis to a mix that also includes veteran Lance Kendricks.
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Lewis was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this offseason. The former first-round pick isn’t what he used to be as a pass catcher, but is still considered a top-notch blocker.
He caught 24 balls for 318 yards last season. Lewis’ best season as a pass catcher came in 2010, when he went for 58, 700 yards and 10 touchdowns.
It’s not quite like adding Keith Jackson, but Lewis is a solid veteran addition. Not only does he solidify a position that has been perpetually weak, he could also potentially open up the offense. Since the Packers released Jordy Nelson, we have long believed that Graham would line up wide as a receiver, rather than next to a tackle.
Graham isn’t known for his blocking and he thrived in that receiver-type role when he played for the New Orleans Saints. After being traded to the Seattle Seahawks, Graham was used as a more traditional tight end — tight to the line, blocking more often. His production decreased.
The addition of Lewis and the presence of Kendricks will allow the Packers to use Graham however and wherever they want.
Big, fast — matchup problem!