Jacksonville Jaguars: Marcedes Lewis returning, among others

On Tuesday, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced that Marcedes Lewis, Josh Wells and Tyler Shatley will return for the 2018 season

The Jacksonville Jaguars made their first offseason move on Tuesday. The Jaguars announced that three players’ contracts will be extended rather than losing them to free agency.

Most important of all, tight end Marcedes Lewis will be returning for his 13th NFL season.

John Oehser of Jaguars.com reports:

"Lewis, who caught 24 passes for 318 yards and five touchdowns last season, signed a three-year contract extension with the Jaguars in the 2016 offseason that included a team option for the 2018 season. Tuesday was the deadline for the Jaguars to exercise that option."

This is a good decision due to the nature of Lewis’ skill set. His physical presence helps the running attack. He stands 6-6 and weighs 255 pounds, which allows him to be an handle opposing edge rushers.

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Oehser continues about Lewis:

"Lewis, a first-round selection in the 2006 NFL Draft, is considered one of the NFL’s best run-blocking tight ends – and he was key to the Jaguars’ No. 1-ranked rushing offense this past season. He has 375 career receptions for 4,502 yards and 33 career touchdowns."

Also, Jacksonville exercised options on offensive linemen Josh Wells and Tyler Shatley. Wells started four games last season. Shatley started four games and three at center due to Brandon Linder’s illness.

However, the Jaguars declined two players’ 2018 contract options, according to Mike Kaye of FirstCoastNews.com. Wide receiver Arrelious Benn and tight end Michael Rivera will become free agents in March. Rivera spent 2017 on the injured reserve list due to a hand injury. He signed in March of 2017 as a free agent but did not play at all. Consequently, he became expendable.

Benn was named as the Jaguars special teams captain last season. He was placed on the teams injured reserve list in week 11. Benn has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. He missed the 2013, 2014, and 2015 seasons.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full two-round projection

The Jaguars have increased their salary cap space to $18,035,444, according to OverTheCap.com. Expect Jacksonville to make more roster moves as March 14 approaches. The big question is “who’s next?”