The top tight ends have all found their new homes, but there are still some (relatively) big names left for the second wave. One of those is Jesse James, who is apparently on the radar of an AFC contender.
The Bills are interested in James, sources told Tony Pauline of ProFootballNetwork. Those same sources did caution that “they are not close to a contract.” James was released by the Lions last month just halfway through the four-year, $22.6MM pact he signed with Detroit back in 2019. James started his career as a fifth-round pick of the Steelers back in 2015. He flashed some potential in Pittsburgh, including with a 423-yard campaign in 2018.
That potential earned him the big contract from the Lions, but the Penn State product disappointed there. In 32 games (18 starts) over the past two years in Detroit, James has hauled in 30 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns. The Bills didn’t get a ton of production from the position in 2020 despite having a dynamic passing game overall, so it’s not too surprising they’re looking to add to the group.
2019 third-rounder Dawson Knox led the Bills’ tight ends with only 288 yards last season. Pauline writes that it could be a situation where Buffalo or another team looking for help there signs James on “Day 3 of the draft if they can’t come away with a tight end in Rounds 2-4.”
Buffalo already has a great receiving group highlighted by Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasley, so tight end is the natural spot to bolster as they look to take the next step in 2021.
I’d rather draft one than overspend for James. Right price, fine. No head first dives.
I could see the Cowboys being interested.
Why not Doc Holliday
Or Dirty Harry
The Buffalo Bills are also reportedly interested in signing:
Henry McCarty
William Bonney
Robert Parker
Harry Longabaugh
J W Hardin
Bob Younger
Cole Younger
Jim Younger
Johnny Ringo
Ike Clanton
So the Patriots sign Robert Ford as a counter?
Hopefully he doesn’t come by train.
In all seriousness, Buffalo could use help at tight end in terms of receiving ability, but Knox showed good potential in spurts last year. It wasn’t consistent enough to solidify expectations for him, but then again, the Bills didn’t exactly have a clear number one go-to at the tight end position. In fairness to James, he did not see the field much in Detroit, so it’s hard to say precisely what he has to offer and what he doesn’t right now. He does have a couple of proven years in Pittsburgh that show that he can be reliable as a receiver.
If James’ lack of production in Detroit was purely a result of being supplanted by Hockenson or being ignored schematically, he could still be a good option at receiver. Buffalo though needs to decide what it wants to do with Dawson Knox first. I think he has a bright future, but as of now Buffalo is a contender and could use some proven pads catchers at tight end.