The NFL league year began on Wednesday afternoon. A few key Packers players became unrestricted free agents as the clock turned 3:00 pm in Packer land. One of those names is already back with the team. Packers re-signed Marcedes Lewis to a one-year deal worth 2.5 million dollars. Bringing back Lewis seemed l like the obvious choice for the Packers. He adds a great veteran presence to the locker room and played a key role in growing the chemistry of this team. As Aaron Rodgers said, ‘When Big Dog talked, everyone listened.’ It makes sense the Packers wanted him back on the roster.

Lewis is a great run-blocking tight end. He can still be a threat in the passing game from time-to-time, but Lewis truly thrives in the run game. That is why Green Bay wanted him back. And why other teams would have shown interest in him. There were many runs that Lewis helped spring or sealed the edge allowing for a long carry from Aaron Jones or Jamaal Williams.

The other thing with Lewis is that he can be a veteran mentor to Jace Sternberger. Green Bay could still go out and sign a tight end like an Eric Ebron, but more than likely, they’re rolling out with Sternberger to start the season. Even though I would have been fine with Austin Hooper (Not at that price, sweet overpay Cleveland), Sternberger seemed like he had next. Jace played great in the NFL Playoffs playing the H-back position. I’ve been on Jace island that he will be good for the team. Packers still might want to find a TE3 in case Sternberger struggles this year.

It is crazy to think of Lewis as a leader of this team in 2020. Two years ago, he called out the Packers on Martellus Bennett’s Yahoo! Show. For certain, I thought Lewis would not be returning to the team. But Brian Gutekunst made sure that things would be different in 2019. He could not be more right.

Charlie.