Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Bears tight end Robert Tonyan were among those trying to persuade 39-year-old free-agent tight end Marcedes Lewis to join them. Tonyan won.
‘‘They [the Jets] got six tight ends,’’ Lewis said.
The Bears, on the other hand, had only two who caught a pass in the NFL last season: Tonyan and Cole Kmet. And given his familiarity with coordinator Luke Getsy and the Bears’ offense — and Tonyan’s constant lobbying — Lewis’ best opportunity was obvious.
‘‘Bobby [Tonyan] was a big component in getting me here — him and Getsy,’’ said Lewis, a 17-year veteran who previously played for the Jaguars (2006-17) and Packers (2018-22). ‘‘I talked to Getsy probably four days a week for, like, two months. One thing that kept coming up was [how the Bears are] young, hungry, active, the culture. ‘You’re gonna love it here.’ ’’
The 6-6, 265-pound Lewis, who had six receptions for 66 yards in 17 games with the Packers last season, isn’t the pass-receiving threat he was in his prime (10 touchdowns and a Pro Bowl berth in 2010). But he’s an outstanding blocker who earned Rodgers’ trust with the Packers, which is a quality endorsement. And he’s dependable. Lewis has missed 23 games in his career, only one in the last six seasons.
‘‘Being able to adapt and adjust to whatever the team needs in order to be successful as a whole is something I’ve been able to do a long time,’’ Lewis said. ‘‘Now it has me in a place where I’m still able to help a team be successful.
‘‘Making a great block is just like making a great catch and a touchdown to me. Helping the running back run off my block on the outside zone or smacking somebody on power or inside zone, it doesn’t matter what it is, I’ve got gratitude for it all.’’
