Marcedes Lewis Released by Jaguars After 12 Seasons, Feels 'Disrespected'

The Jacksonville Jaguars continued their retooling of pass catchers Tuesday, releasing longtime tight end Marcedes Lewis after 12 seasons with the franchise.

Mark Long of the Associated Press reported the news. 

Lewis, 33, has spent his entire career with the Jaguars after being their first-round pick in 2006. He told Long he felt disrespected because the team waited well into free agency before releasing him. 

"I think I deserved a little better than I got...I wish they would have done it sooner," Lewis said.

Lewis, 33, has spent his entire career with the Jaguars after being their first-round pick in 2006. He told Long he felt disrespected because the team waited well into free agency before releasing him. 

"I think I deserved a little better than I got...I wish they would have done it sooner," Lewis said.

The Jaguars made significant changes at tight end this offseason, signing Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Niles Paul. That left Lewis somewhat hanging out to dry, but Jacksonville waited nearly a week after coming to terms with those players before releasing him.

The team also moved on from wideout Allen Hurns on Tuesday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

“I always did my thing, even when it was uncomfortable, and handled it like a pro and I thought I deserved more than this,” Lewis told Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union.

Lewis also said he would like to continue playing. He recorded 24 receptions for 318 yards and five touchdowns last season and is known as a solid blocker at the tight end position.

Odds are a team looking for veteran help will bring him in, but it's unlikely he'll be prominently featured in the passing game at this point in his career.