The Jacksonville Jaguars unceremoniously dumped the longest-tenured player on their roster Tuesday
Denzel Ward Color Rush Jersey , and he wasn’t happy about it.
The Jaguars released veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis after 12 seasons to save $3.5 million in salary-cap space. The move came the same day Jacksonville parted ways with receiver Allen Hurns to save $7 million.
Both players are now free agents and can sign with any team that wants them.
Hurns’ future had been in doubt since Dede Westbrook and Keelan Cole emerged as big-play receivers late last season. Hurns really became expendable when the Jaguars signed two receivers last week, bringing back Marqise Lee and adding Donte Moncrief in free agency.
Lewis thought his spot was safe, even after Jacksonville signed Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Niles Paul last week. The Jaguars picked up an option in Lewis’ contract last month.
Lewis told The Associated Press he felt ”disrespected” by the timing of the move. It came a week after free agency began.
”I wish they would have done it sooner,” he said. ”I think I deserved a little better than this.”
The 33-year-old Lewis
Deion Sanders Jersey Youth , a first-round draft pick in 2006, played in 170 games with Jacksonville. His 375 receptions and 4,502 yards receiving both rank third in team history. His 33 receiving touchdowns are second-most in franchise history, trailing only Jimmy Smith (67).