Packers News: Marcedes Lewis Reveals He Almost Returned to Green Bay in 2023 But Big Dog Was Left Out Because of Direction Team Chose

Marcedes Lewis could have stayed as part of the Green Bay Packers and not play for rivals Chicago Bears if not for his age.

Big Dog played for the Packers from 2018 to 2022 and he brought to the team the durability that offered to the Jacksonville Jaguars for 12 seasons.

He was Green Bay’s starting tight end in the first two seasons but his place in the team dipped by the next two.

Marcedes Lewis, Green Bay Packers — Green Bay Packers tight end Marcedes Lewis (89) fumbles the ball against San Francisco 49ers defensive back Dontae Johnson (27) and middle linebacker Fred Warner (54) in the first quarter during their NFL divisional round football playoff game Saturday January 22, 2022, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
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By 2022, there was a dilemma if he should be extended but the organization went against it because they would rather go young. That’s what Lewis said is the reason of his separation with the Packers.

“The last year when I was there, they were close to bringing me back for another year before I signed with Chicago [Bears],” Lewis told Kay Adams in the Up and Adams show when asked if he envisions himself returning to Lambeau.

He also revealed that he remained in contact with head coach Matt LaFleur and touched on this topic.

USATSI 17386350 — Dec 19, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

“But the direction they were going was gonna be young and you know, and obviously Matt is one of my bestfriends now and he facetimed me last week we were kind of talking about it. And it was really out of his hands. I understand the business side of it.”

Marcedes Lewis says 2025 will be his last hurrah

Lewis is currently a free agent and going back to Packers is out of the table now as the team is sticking with the formula they have chosen. They were the youngest team in the 2024-2025 season.

Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers — Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur talks with quarterback Jordan Love (10) after a failed two point conversion attempt againt the Detroit Lions during their football game Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.

Big Dog is not thinking about the Packers anymore but he insists that he is ready to play for one more season. He said that “mentally”, the 2025 season will be the last of his long pro career.

“I’m still playing almost 30 percent of the plays now, and it’s not as if I’m just this old guy or I can’t stay healthy,” he said.

“I think I’ve missed something like 18 games in 19 years. Durable, I’m still doing my thing. I still practice hard. I’m still a student. I’m learning. I’m not in meetings acting as if I know it all. I think that’s what keeps me locked in and my seatbelt on. I’m just grateful to have that type of growth mindset about my work. That’s the reason why I’m here.”