Broncos add Marcedes Lewis, who could join a rare NFL club this season

For weeks, rumors around the NFL have held that the Denver Broncos were going to add a tight end for Bo Nix to target in Sean Payton’s offense.

Wednesday the Broncos did just that, and put a player in position to perhaps make some history this season.

The Broncos signed veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis to their practice squad, making him one of the oldest players in the league. At 41 years old, Lewis is just a few months younger than veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and a few months older than kicker Matt Prater of the Buffalo Bills.

Lewis is also the only active member of the 2006 NFL Draft class, a group which included Mario Williams, Reggie Bush, Vince Young, A.J. Hawk, Matt Leinart, and Andrew Whitworth. That sets up an interesting scenario for Lewis in Week 10, when the Broncos host the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night Football, as Whitworth is a member of the Amazon Prime Video broadcast team.

How could this move make some NFL history? Per Elias Sports only two players in NFL history have caught a pass when they were 41 years old, or older. Jerry Rice was the first, who caught passes in both 2003 and 2004. Some of those receptions in 2004 came after Rice turned 42.

Then there is Tom Brady, who caught a pass during the 2018 season, weeks after his 41st birthday.

When could Lewis’ next reception come? Perhaps as early as this week, which would also be somewhat notable. The Broncos square off with the Houston Texans this Sunday.

A team coached by DeMeco Ryans, who was drafted five spots after Lewis came off the board in the 2006 NFL Draft.