The Broncos’ search for a blocking-tight-end replacement has led them to one of the oldest veterans in the NFL.
Tight end Marcedes Lewis, 41, is officially signing with Denver’s practice squad, a source confirmed to The Denver Post on Tuesday morning. Lewis, a free agent, last played in 2024 with the Chicago Bears, appearing in all 17 games and starting four.
If the Broncos elevated Lewis for an upcoming gameday, it would mark his 20th season in the NFL. The historical nuggets here are startling. If Lewis suits up against the Texans on Sunday, he’d face off against Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans — a former linebacker who was drafted by the Texans five picks after the Jacksonville Jaguars took Lewis in 2006.
This is no novelty signing, of course. Denver has made its rounds in the rumor mill in looking for extra tight-end help at the deadline, as reserve Lucas Krull recently had surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his foot, and integral piece Nate Adkins suffered a left knee injury against the Cowboys last Sunday. Adkins’ timeline is unknown; if Lewis has sufficient juice, he could well step into a key blocking role against Houston this weekend.
The veteran has seen his role in the passing game dwindle significantly over his NFL career. Once a Pro Bowl matchup threat with the Jaguars back in 2010, Lewis has caught a combined 11 passes over 51 games the last three seasons. But he’s still played a key role in the run game; 70% of his snaps for the Bears last season came as a run-blocker, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Broncos can elevate Lewis off their practice squad for up to three game days before needing to sign him to the active roster. The move fills all open spots on Denver’s roster, as quarterback Sam Ehlinger has re-signed to the Broncos’ practice squad after the Broncos released him Tuesday to make room for the return of linebacker Dre Greenlaw from suspension.
