At 41 years old, Marcedes Lewis is still grinding. The veteran tight end has been waived by the Denver Broncos, with expectations that he’ll land back on the team’s practice squad if he clears waivers.
It’s another chapter in a career that’s spanned nearly two decades - a remarkable run by any standard. Lewis, a former first-round pick by the Jaguars in 2006, has spent his career doing the dirty work that rarely shows up in the box score. Blocking, leadership, locker room presence - all things coaches love, and teammates respect.
After his long stint in Jacksonville, Lewis had a productive run with the Packers, where he signed a two-year, $8 million deal in 2021. He brought stability and veteran savvy to Green Bay's tight end room, and even as his role shifted more toward blocking than receiving, he remained a key piece in their offensive structure.
He moved on to the Bears in 2023, signing back-to-back one-year deals in Chicago before landing with the Broncos in 2025. Denver initially brought him onto the active roster, but he saw limited action - appearing in four games this season without recording a stat.
That might sound like the end of the road for most players, but Lewis has never been just about the numbers. His value has always extended beyond the stat sheet. At this point, it’s about what he brings behind the scenes - mentoring young players, setting the tone in the tight end room, and being a steady presence in a league that rarely slows down for anyone.
If he does return to the Broncos' practice squad, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him activated again if injuries or matchups call for it. Lewis may not be catching touchdowns anymore, but his football IQ and physicality still have a place - especially for a team looking to balance experience with youth.
For now, Lewis remains one of the league’s elder statesmen - a throwback tight end in a modern game, still showing up and doing the work.