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3 potential landing spots for Penn State Football’s Jesse James

By Matt Lombardo

Oct 18, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Jesse James (83) runs the ball after a reception against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Jesse James (83) runs the ball after a reception against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Penn State Football tight end Jesse James remains available in free agency, and could be an ideal fit for several teams across the NFL

Former Nittany Lions tight end Jesse James is among the best available among a thin crop of remaining free agent tight ends as training camp approaches.

Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth-round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Penn State Football, James spent his last two seasons with the Detroit Lions. James has 150 career receptions for 1,460 yards and 11 touchdowns, but remains available in free agency.

As tight end remains a position teams value both in the passing game, arguably more than ever, and blocking, James could find an opportunity to win a roster spot this summer.

Here’s a look at three of former Penn State Football TE Jesse James’ three best fits:

3) Detroit Lions

James spent the past two seasons with the Lions, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Detroit called him to compete for a roster spot sometime before training camp.

Over the past two seasons, James caught 30 passes for 271 yards and two of his 11 career touchdowns.

T.J. Hockenson is established as the Lions’ tight end, and is coming off a career-year, catching 67 passes for 721 yards and six touchdowns. However, the trend of teams deploying two-tight end sets and relying on multiple pass-catchers at the position is only gaining momentum across the league.

It will be fascinating to see what the Lions wind up doing at tight end, given head coach Dan Campbell’s 10-year career as a player at the position. James remains one of the better options still available in free agency, and a return to the Motor City could wind up being his destination.

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