5 free agent tight ends Steelers must sign to better the roster

Jesse James

While I had written that Stocker was a sensible free-agent addition at tight end, Jesse James is by far the better fit. In what would be a welcomed reunion after a short stint with the Lions, James could come in and be a capable offensive threat and blocker. While some hype up his parting comments (aka the Kardashian comments), it should be noted they were made at a time when the Steelers were fielding a roster that had quite a few contrasting personalities. His claims certainly weren’t invalid.

The real issue with him returning to the Steelers is that he may want more of a role than what he would be offered with the team. He had hopes of being the top guy with the Lions (that’s why he got paid as much as he did) but then the team drafted a complete tight end in T.J. Hockenson with their top pick. That lead to James barely playing and tumbling down the depth chart.

If James market is bad enough that his best offer is being a third-string tight end though, he would be a great fit to have back. Better yet, the Lions got him more active on special teams, meaning he could serve in that role with the Steelers. While his name seems unlikely given the role he would have if that is the best offer he is getting right now a reunion should be in the cards.