Still Curtain
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3 tight ends Steelers need to sign in free agency

By Ryan Pawloski

Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Running back Jamal Agnew #39 runs behind the blocking of tight end Jesse James #83 of the Detroit Lions. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Running back Jamal Agnew #39 runs behind the blocking of tight end Jesse James #83 of the Detroit Lions. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Jesse James, Detroit Lions

Jesse James will likely be released by the Lions before free agency begins to shed cap space. His contract that he signed years ago seemed like it would eventually lead to his release a couple of years into it. He was a nice part of the Steelers offense during his time here. James was drafted in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft coming out of Penn State. He does not do one thing amazing but he is a decent all-round player that would greatly improve the depth.

His blocking ability gets overlooked sometimes but he can also sneak out and catch some passes. It has not been great for him in Detroit but returning home seems like a very good option for James. He is from the Pittsburgh area and he knows the team. It was said he left because the locker room was getting out of hand. Realistically it was because the team couldn’t afford him at the number he got from the Lions.

If James left because of the locker room situation then he has no excuse now since those issues have left the team. If he is released (and that is very plausible), then expect his return back to the Steelers on what could be close to a veteran minimum contract. It will likely be a one-year deal that can help both the player and the team moving forward.

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