Earlier this week, the Broncos failed twice in their attempts to claim a tight end off waivers. Following those misses, Sean Payton opted to sign free agent Marcedes Lewis — a move he feels very comfortable with despite the tight end’s age.

“I think he’s obsessed with taking care of himself,” HC Sean Payton said on Thursday. “That has a lot to do with it. I had checked on a mutual friend. He’s been training two times a day and then you can see that he’s in shape.”

Lewis will protect Bo Nix

Beyond the tremendous shape Marcedes Lewis is reportedly in, Sean Payton emphasized that his skill set on the field was the main reason behind the signing.

Lewis is considered one of the best blocking tight ends in NFL history. While he may not be Bo Nix’s primary receiving target, his presence will help provide the rookie quarterback with additional protection in the pocket.

“You kind of follow his career, and I knew he’d been training, I knew he’s in great shape,” Sean Payton said on adding Lewis. “He’s a tremendous blocker. . . . So we brought him in for a workout, brought him on to our practice squad. I’m glad he’s here. He’s a tremendous leader. . . . He had been in the league long enough where the reports have just been unbelievable anywhere he’s been. Jacksonville, Green Bay, Chicago. It’s good to have him here.”

What is the Broncos’ depth chart at tight end?

With the arrival of Marcedes Lewis, Denver’s tight end room has been reinforced. The position, which had been a concern for the Broncos recently, now boasts more depth and experience.

Evan Engram is listed as TE1, followed by Nate Adkins, with Adam Trautman as the third option and Lewis now as the fourth. Lucas Krull remains on injured reserve, the spot the veteran is expected to fill.

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.

The Packers used to be in control of the NFC North for many years, but they lost that dominance last year. With the veteran quarterback no longer at Lambeau Field, it could be even harder for them to get back to the top.

On the other hand, the Bears are hoping to leave behind countless disappointing seasons. The team has been making moves to build around its young quarterback, recently landing a former Packer.

Bears reportedly sign TE Marcedes Lewis

According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the Chicago Bears are finalizing a deal with tight end Marcedes Lewis. The 39-year-old is entering his 18th NFL season, a record for a player in his position.

Lewis hit the open market after running out of contract in Green Bay, where he spent the last five seasons. “When guys need to play and need the snaps, when (veterans) are out there, other guys aren’t,” Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said when asked why it was best not to bring him back, via Ryan Wood.

The veteran quarterback will reveal his final decision on Wednesday at 1 PM (ET) in an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. All options remain on the table, though his future appears to be inNew York.

Rodgers reportedly held a meeting with Jets owner Woody Johnson and head coach Robert Saleh not long ago, while Packers executives suggested the divorce is imminent. In the event he ultimately joins the Jets, Rodgers could be taking players he appreciates with him.

Free agents Aaron Rodgers could recruit to join him at Jets

Rodgers reportedly has a wish list of players he wants to have as teammates in New York, and the Jets have already started to bring familiar faces for the 4x MVP. Apart from hiring Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator, the Jets signed free agent wide receiver Allen Lazard, who spent the last five seasons with Rodgers in Green Bay. But there could be more players following Rodgers to New York.

Randall Cobb

ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported the Jets’ next target after Lazard would be veteran wideout Randall Cobb, who also hit the free agency after playing with Rodgers at the Packersfor many years.

Marcedes Lewis

Schefter added veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis, who also became a free agent after five seasons with the Packers, to the Jets’ shortlist. Dianna Russini of ESPN reports Lewis is part of the wish-list of free agents Rodgers wants the Jets to sign, though the Raiders wouldalso be interested in him.

Odell Beckham Jr.

Odell Beckham Jr. hasbeen heavily linked with the Packers last year while he still recovered from an ACL injury sustained during the 2022 Super Bowl. Beckham eventually missed the entire season, but as he nears his return to the gridiron, Rodgers apparently wants him on board in his new chapter in New York. It makes sense, since Rodgers would have in him a reliable partner to challenge for big things.