The contract Smiff gave him was stupid.  If you can get past that and actually watch what he does in the game - it's easy to see he's valuable to the team. 

 

I challenge the haters to replay an entire game from the past 5 weeks and count how many times he actually runs a route.  He STILL spends many more snaps chipping and leaking out, doubling a pass rusher, or even lead blocking at times  -  than he does as a receiving TE.  His production would be much greater were he not needed to bolster the line and help a struggling run game. 

 

I'd love to see them re-negotiate, but if he is gone due to the dumb contract, so be it.  He could be replaced obviously, but a rookie isn't going to come in and be able to contribute on his level right away and the free agent list isn't terribly attractive this year.  There are some aging and injured guys and guys that catch but don't block or vice versa. There are also a bunch of guys that have disappeared in a contract year on the list.  Not good.    I think Andrew Quarless is an intriguing FA, but he couldn't assume much of Lewis' role as a blocker. 

---