Importance of a Marcedes Lewis Deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville has re-signed their tight end Marcedes Lewis for another five-seasons for $34 million ($38 million with incentives) with $18 million guaranteed.

At first glance it may seem like too much money for a tight end. However, Lewis isn't the modern-day tight end. He's a good receiving threat, but it is his blocking that makes him superior to his peers.

The deal can be looked at as Jacksonville committing cash to part offensive lineman as well as an elite tight end.

Jacksonville needs players to build around with their current lack of talent compared to other NFL franchises.

Locking up Marcedes Lewis until he's 32 years old is the second biggest building block currently on the franchise next to Blaine Gabbert.

Maurice Jones-Drew is undoubtedly the Jags best player as of now, but running backs have shorter careers and Jones-Drew has already had serious knee issues.

Having a 6'6", 275 pound rock on the line of scrimmage will give Gabbert a dump down option and he'll block elite pass rushers, so the other investment can stay upright. Many tight ends give quarterbacks a reliable passing threat, but very few block better than Lewis.

Vernon Davis could be argued as the only other tight end that is as completely rounded as Marcedes Lewis.

Helping the signing is that Lewis is in great shape coming in to camp. So while the money given to Lewis right now may seem like too much for a team not expected to make the playoffs, it'll be money well spent for Jacksonville's future no matter what city the Jaguars claim as home.