Several former Green Bay Packers players have decided to join future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers with the New York Jets.
Allen Lazard, Billy Turner and Randall Cobb have all signed with the Jets this offseason. The Jets also added offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who coached on the Packers’ staff from 2019-21.
It appears there is at least one player, however, who isn't interested in following Rodgers to New York.
Marcedes Lewis signed with the Packers in 2019 and has been one of the most dependable players on the offense. While he did not put up big receiving numbers, he was considered a bonus offensive lineman due to his prowess in both run and pass blocking. Now Lewis is an unrestricted free agent, and despite Rodgers’ desire for him to come with him to New York, he does not seem interested. Justis Mosqueda of Acme Packing Company wrote:
“From what I’ve been told by sources, Lewis, the one player that Gutekunst didn’t get asked about in his post-draft presser, is open to returning to the Packers this year — or at least was before the draft — and doesn’t seem interested in joining Aaron Rodgers in New York. The reason isn’t a personal rift with Rodgers, but the tax rate in New York/New Jersey. This is why reported interest from the Las Vegas Raiders, who play in an income-tax-less Nevada, is significant.”
So, not only is Lewis not interested in playing for the Jets, but he also is open to returning to Green Bay. This would be a huge boost to the Packers in the sense of needing a veteran leader. With two rookie tight ends, the Packers could use someone with Lewis’ vast experience at the position to act as a mentor to the young players.
If Lewis plays for any team this season, he will set the NFL record for most seasons played by a tight end. It would be nice if he could do that with the Packers.
More must-reads: