Tight end Jesse James will join the Detroit Lions once the new league year begins, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo. James has spent the first four seasons of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, James will sign a four-year deal worth $25 million, $11 million of which is fully guaranteed.
The #Lions are giving TE Jesse James a 4-year deal worth $25M, source said. He gets $11M fully guaranteed. Big payday for the former Steeler.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2019
Report: Detroit Lions Will Sign Tight End Jesse James
James played in all 16 games last season and started seven. As the Steelers second tight end behind Vance McDonald, he caught 40 passes for 423 receiving yards and two touchdowns. In week two, James recorded a career-high 138 receiving yards and a touchdown in a 42-37 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
James was in and out of the starting tight end role over the last few years with the Steelers. He had 1,189 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 120 catches over 56 career games. James struggled as a blocker early in his career, but has improved in this area over the years.
In 2017, James was the subject of a controversial play in a 24-27 loss to the New England Patriots. The tight end appeared to catch a potential game-winning touchdown pass with 0:34 seconds left in the fourth quarter. However, as James reached across the goal line and hit the turf, he lost control of the ball momentarily and the pass was ruled incomplete. Two plays later, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw an interception, effectively ending the game and giving the Patriots a postseason tie-breaker over Pittsburgh.
James has spent his entire life and football career in Pennsylvania. James went to high school 12 miles outside of Pittsburgh, where he was a two-time Second-team All-State selection in both football and basketball. In his junior and senior seasons, he was named First-team tight end in his conference.
James began attending Penn State University in 2012. As a true freshman, he recorded 15 receptions for 276 yards and tied a school record with five receiving touchdowns by a tight end. During his junior year, James caught his 10th career touchdown, breaking Penn State’s record for most touchdowns by a tight end. He finished his collegiate career with 78 catches for 1,005 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. James was selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft.
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