Marcedes Lewis Signs New Bears Contract in NFL Free Agency, Will Play 19th Season

Andrew Peters

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Tight end Marcedes Lewis re-signed with the Chicago Bears on Monday, as the veteran will now enter his 19th season in the NFL.

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Lewis told Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer. on Sunday that he planned on re-signing with the Bears when he met with the team on Monday.

The 40-year-old played his first season in Chicago a year ago after spending the previous 17 seasons between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers. He had four receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown in 2023.

Last year, Lewis signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Bears, but it’s not clear what the terms of his new contract will be.

Lewis, who turned 40 in May, will be just the second tight end to play at 40 or older—the other being Trey Junkin, who played his last NFL season at 41. Lewis will also be one of just two players older than 40 in the NFL next season alongside New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Lewis, the 28th overall pick in the 2006 draft, had his best season while playing for the Jaguars in 2010 when he recorded 700 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, both being career highs.

Being one of the oldest players in the league, Lewis will look to help ease rookie quarterback Caleb Williams into the NFL. The Bears are coming off a 7-10 season and are looking to improve with Williams under center and a handful of new targets for him to throw to.

While Lewis might not have a major impact for Chicago this season, having veteran presence is always important for a young team.