The Denver Broncos are turning to a 41-year-old veteran tight end after missing out on two waiver claims. Sean Payton wants to add experience and reliability to help quarterback Bo Nix keep the offense rolling.
Earlier this year, the Broncos added Evan Engram to become a top-tier target for Bo Nix. So far, the tight end has delivered a solid performance, yet Denver still wants to add more depth to the position.
On Tuesday, the Broncos worked out 41-year-old Marcedes Lewis. Only a day later, Adam Schefter of ESPN and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network confirmed that Lewis is joining the Broncos’ practice squad.
Why are the Broncos signing Marcedes Lewis?
After Week 8, the Broncos submitted two waiver claims — both for tight ends. Denver failed to add Brendan Bates and Ben Sims due to having a better record than the other teams in contention, but its search for a tight end didn’t stop there.
Sean Payton gave Marcedes Lewis a chance to work out for the team on Tuesday. The veteran free agent is still interested in playing, and Denver might be ready to give him that opportunity.
If promoted to the active roster and sent to the field, the former first-round pick of the Jaguars would become the oldest tight end to play in a game in NFL history. He’s now the second-oldest active NFL player — behind former teammate Aaron Rodgers (who turns 42 in December) and tied with Matt Prater.
Tight end Nate Adkins was injured on Sunday, and while Adam Trautman is expected to step up as TE2, the arrival of Lewis adds much-needed depth to the position, especially with Lucas Krull still on injured reserve.