The Denver Broncos get a well-deserved break this coming weekend, after a win against a second-string Los Angeles Chargers team secured them the #1 seed in the AFC, that brings with it the first round bye in the playoffs.
However, the team announced some transactions on Monday, one acquisition and two releases.
And one of those released is a very important player in the history of the league at large. Mercedes Lewis, formerly of the Packers and Jaguars, also known as the longest tenured active non-quarterback player in the league, was one of those with whom the team parted ways on Monday.
“Broncos sign QB Sam Ehlinger off practice squad to 53-man roster. They waive tackle Geron Christian and tight end Marcedes Lewis, who are both candidates to join practice squad if they clear waivers.” Chris Tomasson wrote on X.
Geron Christian, an offensive tackle who was formerly a 2018 third round pick by the Washington Commanders, was also released.
Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback, Sam Ehlinger, who started three games for the franchise back in 2022, going 0-3 in the process, was elevated to the 53-man roster. He will likely operate as the team’s third string QB, behind starter, Bo Nix and backup, Jarrett Stidham.
Mercedes Lewis Released By The Broncos
Mercedes Lewis played five games for the Broncos in 2025, and made one start in his one and only season in Denver.
The veteran tight end was originally drafted in the first round of the 2006 (!!) NFL Draft – just one year after Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.
After a very impressive 12 years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, in which he primarily operated in a blocking-first role, ‘Big Dog’ was signed to a one year, $2.1 million deal by the Green Bay Packers, with whom he remained for five seasons before ultimately moving in-division to the Chicago Bears in 2023.
Lewis was not re-signed by the Bears after the 2024 season, and signed onto the Broncos’ practice squad just before Halloween in 2025. Since the start of December, Lewis has gone up and down between the active roster and practice squad, before being waived once again on Monday.
Will Mercedes Lewis Play Again In The NFL?
It is likely that the Broncos could look to bring back the veteran tight end on the practice squad. The 41-year has been known for being an excellent locker room presence over the course of his 20 years in pro football.
However, part of Lewis’ original signing and elevation came due a litany of injuries at the tight end position for Denver. Now that the team has Adam Trautman, Evan Engram and Nate Adkins all healthy – all of whom are currently ahead of Lewis in the pecking order.
If another injury comes up at the position, that could certainly pave the way for Lewis to get elevated to the active roster once more and continue that elusive quest for a Super Bowl ring.
Broncos Part Ways With Longest-Tenured Non-QB