As soon as teammates in Inexperienced Bay, it appeared unlikely tight finish Marcedes Lewis and quarterback Aaron Rodgers would actually have a probability to retire collectively. Quarterbacks like Rodgers can play into their 40s. Tight ends not often make it previous their mid-30s. And but, each stay within the NFL as two of the league’s longest-tenured gamers. And their conversations from years in the past about driving off into the sundown on the identical crew stay a risk.
Nonetheless, whereas the Steelers are deep in talks with Rodgers, they haven’t had any conversations with Lewis. Becoming a member of Kay Adams earlier this week, Lewis, a free agent, says he hasn’t spoken with Pittsburgh.
“It’s at all times been one thing A-Rod would convey up. Even once we had been in Inexperienced Bay, he was like, ‘hey, we gotta retire collectively.’ Nah, we haven’t talked about taking part in with the Steelers, no,” Lewis instructed Adams when pressed if conversations with Pittsburgh have come up.
Lewis is an NFL unicorn—a good finish who might play in his age-41 season. Having caught one move this previous season with the Chicago Bears, he grew to become the primary tight finish and solely fourth participant in historical past to file a reception in his 40s. The remainder of the record is a cool one. Jerry Rice, Tom Brady, and Brett Favre.
Pittsburgh’s reportedly proven some stage of curiosity in including one other tight finish, discussing a commerce with the Miami Dolphins for Jonnu Smith. A unique caliber of participant in a unique stage than Lewis. Nonetheless, Arthur Smith’s offense hoards tight ends, and Lewis can perform as a blocker-first and depth behind in-line tight finish Darnell Washington.
Rodgers has the fame for bringing in “his” guys. Typically, these are his receivers. Randall Cobb. Allen Lazard. Davante Adams. However taking part in along with Rodgers from 2018-2022, Lewis has his personal historical past with him and could be an inexpensive offseason addition.
Earlier than Pittsburgh appears to be like to reunite Rodgers’ former teammates, Rodgers has to signal first. Solely then would the Steelers take into account making these connections, and even then, there isn’t an apparent function Lewis would fill. Even in his prime, he didn’t play particular groups and will solely perform on the sphere purpose defend crew lately. However he’s one other title to remember as soon as the Rodgers’ domino falls.
