Lions to sign TE Jesse James ( UFA-Steelers )

[D6]

Detroit Lions reportedly signing TE Jesse James too in whirlwind start to free agency


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When factoring in everything, including all around TE skills, potential, age, and durability, Jesse James appears to be the best FA option at TE going into the 48 hour plus window before the Official start of the FA period. The Lions likely added the 2019 opening day starter at TE in James. As of now, I haven't seen anything regarding contract terms.

[D6]

Here's what Detroit Lions TE Jesse James has in common with Megatron


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At the very least, Jesse James gives the Lions more flexibility in the 2019 Draft.

[papajoe]

Haven’t seen the contract terms either; but I hope it’s for multiple years. Being a part time Steelers fan, I saw a lot of Jesse James. I’m thinking/hoping that the Lions have their starting TE for more than just the 2019 season.


Joe

[D6]

Joe, is there any parts of Jesse James game that jumps out in a favorable manner? And is there a part of James game you feel he needs to improve on?

[D6]

Lions pay going rate for Jesse James, who is just a start of a TE solution

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If Jesse James performs for a number of seasons on the level of one of the top TEs on this year's FA market, this will turn out to be a good contract for the Lions.

[papajoe]

David - As you mentioned, he durable.
He’s also versatile. The articles in this thread rate his blocking skills as “adequate” and “OK”. I would rate them much higher than that, especially run blocking. Even more so in the 2 TE sets the Steelers would use.
I’m really excited to see what kind of receiving numbers he can put up as a #1 TE: receptions, yardage, AND touchdowns.


Joe

[D6]

Thanks, Joe!

With the emphasis the Lions are putting on the running game, run blocking from the TE ( Y ) position is vital. As much as anything, that's why I believe the Lions moved on from Eric Ebron right before the start of the FA period a year ago.

[D6]

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It's official!

[D6]

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There's a good chance that Jesse James hasn't played his best football yet. My guess is the Lions brass factored this into the contract James received.

[D6]

Jesse James wants to raise the ceiling for himself and Lions tight ends


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One thing in particular about the Lions overall TE play in recent seasons are the missed opportunities by TEs in or around the opposing End Zone when there were opportunities to make plays by TEs. This happened far too often.

[D6]

How Detroit Lions tight end Jesse James is viewing his limited production

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Though the Lions need better all around TE play fron all 3 TEs on tbe roster, good job by Jesse James in putting the Lions team ahead of himself.