According to NFL reporter Mike Garafolo, the Pittsburgh Steelers will lose one of their one-two punch at tight end. According to Garafolo, Jesse James will not re-sign with the Steelers and instead is going to sign a contract with the Detroit Lions when free agency begins.
James has been with the Steelers since 2015. James has 36 starts over four seasons and has compiled a modest 120 receptions. James has been notoriously underutilized in the Pittsburgh offense so you cannot fault him for wanting to go somewhere to showcase his skills as a receiver more.
With James headed to Detroit the team sits with Vance McDonald and Xavier Grimble as the only experienced tight ends left. Does this mean Pittsburgh will be satisfied going into the season with those two? Probably not but don’t expect the Steelers to dig into free agency or even spend a top draft pick on another tight end.
