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With only two veteran tight ends on the roster, the Green Bay Packers continue to scour free agency for reinforcements. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Tom Silverstein, the team plans to meet with veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis later this week.
The Packers have already added a significant free-agent tight end this offseason. Back in March, they signed Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham to a three-year, $30 million contract, the largest deal in terms of average value at the position. However, Graham operates almost exclusively as a supersized slot receiver, and the depth behind him in Green Bay likewise consists of players with less-than-ideal blocking acumen.
Lewis could provide a more traditional, in-line tight end that Packers head coach Mike McCarthy likes to utilize in his offense. Lewis spent the last 12 seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, reaching his apex as a pass catcher during a 58-catch, 700-yard campaign in 2010. Though his yardage output has waned in the seven years since, he remains a viable red-zone target, hauling in five touchdowns last season.
At present, the Packers’ roster sits at 89 players. As such, they could add Lewis without making a corresponding move.