Marcedes Lewis, a seasoned tight end, was signed by the Chicago Bears to a one-year contract on Monday.
Lewis finished the 2017 season with four receptions for 29 yards and a score while playing in 17 games for Chicago. Gerald Everett, a free agent who committed to a $12 million, two-year contract in March, and Cole Kmet make up the tight end room when he returns.
The Bears hope to improve this coming season after selecting quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the NFL draft.
The team hasn’t had a winning record since going 12-4 in 2018.
If he appears in four games this season, he will pass Jason Witten for the most for a tight end. If he plays in at least 15 games, he will have the fourth-highest total for a non-quarterback or specialist, trailing wide receiver Jerry Rice (303), offensive lineman Bruce Matthews (296) and cornerback Darrell Green (295).
The 6-foot-6 Lewis, a Southern California native, was selected by Jacksonville in the first round of the 2006 draft.
He has 436 receptions for 5,113 yards and 40 touchdowns. He spent 12 years with the Jaguars and five seasons with the Green Bay Packers before joining the Bears.
