5 former Steelers the team needs to reunite with in 2021
By Andrew Falce
Jesse James
Out of everyone on this list, the idea of bringing back tight end Jesse James is the most exciting. With Vance McDonald recently retiring and the future of starter Eric Ebron up in the air, the team could use a solid, steady option to play tight end for them. Realistically, Jesse James could do all that and more, as he has proven to be a good player in the Steelers scheme.
Like Finney, James is still technically under contract with the Lions, but considering they barely use him and can cut him and save money this offseason, it seems likely he is a free agent once again. Assuming that happens, the Steelers shouldn’t hesitate to offer him a minimum contract or even a multi-year deal as long as it is team-friendly. While James starting wouldn’t be ideal, he could serve as the 1B option like he did with McDonald when the two played together.
Adding him shouldn’t stop the Steelers from going after a tight end early in the draft either. Typically, tight ends take a year or two before becoming true starters, so he could split time with James as he develops. Even if Ebron is retained, he is only under contract for one more year and the team could actually go into the season with three legitimate tight end options. James makes too much sense, and assuming the Lions cut him, the Steelers should be the first team to call him.
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While this offseason will certainly feature a lot of moving parts for the Steelers, they should have the chance to reunite with some of their previous players. Assuming all are willing to play for cheap, the options above would make a lot of sense as additions this offseason. Keep them in mind as the NFL gets closer to free agency, as any of the five would do well by returning to the Steelers.