The Jacksonville Jaguars placed the franchise tag on Pro Bowl tight end Marcedes Lewis, the club announced today.

Lewis produced career-best numbers in 2010, leading the team with a career-high 10 touchdown receptions along with 58 receptions for 700 yards.  The 10 receiving touchdowns tied a single-season franchise record and he recorded two touchdowns in three different games.  In addition, his 10touchdowns tied for the most among NFL tight ends. His 700 receiving yards ranked second in franchise history among tight ends.

The sixth-year pro became the first tight end in franchise history to be voted to the Pro Bowl.  He was the only player on the team with multiple receptions in all 16 games.   He ranked second on the team with 88 passes thrown his way and 37 receptions resulting in first downs.

Lewis, a first round pick in 2006, has 181 career receptions for 2,224 yards and 17 touchdowns.  The 17 receiving touchdowns are the fourth-most in Jaguars history while his 2,224 receiving yards are the second-most among tight ends.