Packers continue to overhaul tight end group with Marcedes Lewis signing

The Packers didn’t need another receiving tight end, but signing Marcedes Lewis will be a big boost to Green Bay’s ground game.

The Green Bay Packers already have a great pass catching tight end in Jimmy Graham. He isn’t much of a run blocker though. That’s precisely why the team decided to add Marcedes Lewis to their group of tight ends.

Lewis was released from the Jaguars after the team elected to go with Austin Sefarian-Jenkins instead. It was a difficult blow for Lewis. He’d played with Jacksonville for his entire career after being drafted by the franchise back in 2006.

Jacksonville made the move to give Blake Bortles more weapons in the passing game. Lewis only came down with 24 catches for 318 yards last season. Green Bay won’t be concerned with Lewis’ inability to stretch the field. Instead, Mike McCarthy will be happy to deploy Lewis as a battering ram in the run game.

Expect to see the Packers use Lewis almost like an extra tackle in short yardage situations. He may slip out in some passing routes for Aaron Rodgers, but that won’t be his primary function. Green Bay will hope his 6-foot-6, 255 pound frame can help Ty Montgomery become a more productive running back.

At 34 years old, Lewis isn’t going to be a long-term fixture in Green Bay. The team will also hope he can mentor some younger players in his position group. In particular, Lewis will be expected to help Emanuel Byrd develop into a more complete NFL tight end. If he’s unsuccessful in that venture, Byrd might find himself on the outside looking in at the 53-man roster.

Next: Aaron Rodgers gives Packers fans good news

Marcedes Lewis won’t grab a ton of headlines this season for the Packers, but he can be an important cog in Aaron Rodgers’ attack. His addition to the roster should give Green Bay’s rushing game a significant boost.