If money talks, then the Green Bay Packers are fully expecting veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis to make the active roster to start the 2020 season.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Lewis’ new, one-year deal with the Packers includes a signing bonus of just over $1 million. The total deal is worth $2.25 million and includes a $1.1 million base salary, $100,000 in total per-game roster bonuses and $750,000 available in play-time incentives.
Lewis has now signed three consecutive one-year deals with the Packers. His first two deals each had a signing bonus of $500,000.
The financials of the new deal suggest the Packers are expecting him to make the team and contribute in 2020. This isn’t a situation where the Packers are bringing him back with little guaranteed money and seeing if he can still play.
Even if the Packers cut Lewis before the start of the regular season, he’d still count $1.05 million on the cap in dead money.
Lewis, who turns 36 in May, enjoyed a bounce-back year as Matt LaFleur’s go-to blocking tight end in 2019. He cut weight, was more effective in the passing game and still provided value as a blocker in the run game. Clearly, LaFleur and GM Brian Gutekunst believe he can still be good in the same role in 2020.
The Packers cut Jimmy Graham, increasing the need to bring back Lewis as a veteran complement to Jace Sternberger and Robert Tonyan. Pro Bowler Austin Hooper was a target but ended up being too pricey. The Packers are also reportedly interested in veteran Delanie Walker, although that interest could evaporate with Lewis back in Green Bay.
