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In a surprise move, the Jacksonville Jaguars have release veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis, according to multiple reports. The Jaguars picked up a $3.5 million option for Lewis earlier this offseason, however that money was only guaranteed if he was on the roster at a later date.
TE Marcedes Lewis, in phone interview, said he is "dejected that they didn't do this earlier instead of picking up my option." #jaguars
— Ryan O'Halloran (@ryanohalloran) March 20, 2018
Most assumed the team would keep Lewis as a veteran leader and blocker in a run heavy offense, even after signing Niles Paul and Austin Seferian-Jenkins in free agency. The team decided to part ways with the 12-year veteran and former first-round pick, however.
While Lewis’ play on the field was clearly on the decline, I think a lot of fans felt like they’d let him finish out one more season after finally seeing success as a team last season. The role may not have fit the price tag after all the moves however, so the team decided to release Lewis.
Lewis played a total of 170 games for the Jaguars, catching 375 passes for just over 4,500 yards and 33 touchdowns. Mostly known for his affinity as a blocker, Lewis was a long time cornerstone in the Jaguars offense.