Jaguars Resign Marcedes Lewis

Added on Aug 05, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

Two days after Zach Miller scored big bucks in Seattle, another rising tight end has been rewarded a giant contract. Jacksonville avoided a potentially contentious situation and resigned former first-round pick Marcedes Lewis to a five-year deal that could total $38 million if certain incentives are reached.

Lewis was slapped with the franchise tag back in March and was planning to hold out for a longterm extension. However, he showed up at training camp on Monday, which must’ve been a sign of good faith in the eyes of Jaguars brass.

Lewis was selected 28th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft after an impressive college career at UCLA, where he played with current Jags teammate Maurice Jones-Drew. During his senior season, he tallied 58 receptions for 741 yards and ten touchdowns.

He was expected to step right in and become a major contributor in the Jaguars offense, but his first four years proved to be largely forgettable. He totaled seven touchdowns and didn’t catch more than 41 passes in a season.

Just as he was about to be labeled a bust, Lewis broke out in 2010 snagging career highs in receptions (58), yards (700) and scores (10), and earned his first Pro Bowl nod. His ten touchdowns tied for the lead league among tight ends with Antonio Gates and Rob Gronkowski.

There’s no doubting Lewis’s raw talent. He can stretch the field and is dominant in the red zone. He’s also quite durable, having started 63 of 64 games since 2007. The real concern is will he be motivated after inking a lucrative deal?

Guys have a tendency of playing extra hard during walk years, especially those who have struggled to make an impact in seasons prior. Every NFL player wants a second contract, but getting one doesn’t always translate to success on the field. See Albert Haynesworth.

It could be Lewis is a late bloomer, or he could be a one-year wonder. Needless to say, the Jaguars are hoping it’s the former.

Source: NFL.com