Former Packers tight end Marcedes Lewis is joining a fierce rival for 2023, he's going to make NFL history doing so.
Former Green Bay Packers tight end Marcedes Lewis, best known this offseason for being on Aaron Rodgers' wish list, is reportedly finalizing a deal with the Chicago Bears.
The 39-year-old is entering his 18th NFL season in 2023, which would set the record for most seasons ever played by a tight end; the previous record was held by a three-way tie of Lewis, Jason Witten and Tony Gonzalez.
It's probably not lost on Lewis that he'll be making league history while wearing the jersey of his old team's most hated rival, but one could argue things are different now. Aaron Rodgers, proud owner of the Bears, has moved to the East Coast. Jordan Love tried to insult Chicago earlier this offseason but couldn't quite get his wording right.
A new era of the Packers-Bears rivalry is upon us, and Lewis joins several ex-Packers on the other side.
Ex-Packers tight end Marcedes Lewis signs with Bears
Former Packers coach Luke Getsy is currently the offensive coordinator for the Bears, and Chicago has also absorbed transplants Equanimeous St. Brown, Lucas Patrick, and most recently, Robert Tonyan.
After 12 seasons in Jacksonville, Lewis signed with the Packers in 2018 and played in nearly every game for the last five years. More of a blocker than a pass-catcher, Lewis did haul in 582 yards and six touchdowns during his time in Green Bay, but he was valued more for his blocking abilities.
What's seen as a minor loss for the Packers and maybe even a minor loss for Rodgers will be the start of the end for Lewis in Chicago. A week ago, the Bears just locked up top target Cole Kmet for the foreseeable future and can now boast one of the most versatile tight end rooms in the league: expect Kmet and Tonyan to share pass-catching duties while Lewis does what he does best at the line of scrimmage.
When the Packers and Bears meet in Week 1 of the 2023 regular season at Soldier Field, plenty of familiar faces will take the field. From friend to foe, Lewis' debut against his former team will be one you don't want to miss.
