The Jaguars are nearing an agreement on a new contract for tight end Marcedes Lewis, a league source tells Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com. Lewis, whose reps can talk to other teams, has never reached unrestricted free agency.
A former first-round pick, Lewis was the Jaguars’ top tight end for several years, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2010 when he caught a career-high 58 passes and 10 touchdowns. However, in recent years, he has transitioned into more of a blocking role. In 2015, he recorded just 16 receptions, following the arrival of free agent signee Julius Thomas.
Lewis, who earned $2MM in base salary and another $400K in per-game roster bonuses in 2015, will likely be looking at a modest deal in that range this time around. GM Dave Caldwell expressed at the combine in Indianapolis last month that he wanted to lock up the veteran tight end before the new league year began, and Lewis himself has suggested that he values the fact he has spent his entire career with one team.
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