Jesse

James

The Saints also signed fullback Jake Bargas. James joined the Browns last offseason but suffered a bicep injury that ended his year after just two games. He did not record a catch in his pair of appearances for Cleveland. He will work for a depth option behind Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau during training camp.

He’ll miss at least the next four games. James is Cleveland’s third tight end and had no fantasy value to speak of. The Browns had just signed him in early September, so they’ll probably head back to the free-agent pile for another tight end.

James had seven catches in Chicago last year and has been an NFC North journeyman since his rookie deal expired with the Steelers. He’ll be behind David Njoku and Harrison Bryant on the depth chart. This move doesn’t change anyone’s fantasy stock -- the Browns had only been carrying two tight ends on their roster.

James played behind Cole Kmet with Jimmy Graham on the COVID list, seeing his first targets of the regular season. James, a well-traveled veteran who demonstrated chemistry with Justin Fields in the preseason, should remain on waiver wires unless Kmet misses time.

James has been on the open market since Detroit released him in March. The tight end played meaningful snaps for the Lions last year, with a 40% snap share or higher in 11 of his 16 games. Known for his run blocking in Pittsburgh, James disappointed in Detroit. He was graded as ProFootballFocus’ 46th and 43rd run blocking tight end in his two seasons with the Lions, and produced a very poor yards per route run of 0.85. If James sticks on the roster, it could spell trouble for Jimmy Graham, whose release would save the Bears $7 million this year. James’ signing offers some insurance in the event second year TE Cole Kmet isn’t ready to handle a full time.

The Bills are the first team linked to James since his offseason release from Detroit. James spent the last two years as a blocking complement to T.J. Hockenson and could have a similar role behind Dawson Knox in Buffalo. Teams may wait until after the draft to sign James.

The move comes two seasons into a “four-year deal,” one that was regrettable before the ink even dried. James will likely be designated a post-June 1 release, clearing $5 million in cap space. A blocker who was a decent pass catcher in Pittsburgh, James was limited to 30 grabs into 32 games during his Detroit sojourn. Still only 27 (in June), James will have a market, perhaps reuniting with the Steelers.

Added to Thursday’s injury report, Hockensen was able to practice Friday -- a good sign for his Week 10 availability. The Lions can ill afford to lose their big tight end with Kenny Golladay (hip) sidelined. Jesse James, listed on the depth chart as the team’s No. 2 tight end, would become a desperation streamer if Hockensen can’t go.

It’s a new injury for Hockensen, and if he can’t practice Friday, he could miss this week’s game against Washington. Hockensen has Jesse James, the No. 2 tight end on Detroit’s depth chart, would become a desperation option for fantasy players in deep leagues. Hockensen’s absence would open up targets in the Lions offense, as the big tight end is second on the team with an 18 percent target share through Week 9.

The Lions’ high-priced free agency addition did little more than limit first-round rookie T.J. Hockenson’s snaps and targets all season. Overall, James caught 16-of-27 targets for 142 scoreless yards in his first season away from the Steelers. James didn’t even obtain a full-time role once Hockenson was sent to the injured reserve with an ankle injury, as James formed a two-TE committee with former-QB convert Logan Thomas. PFF graded James outside of their top-45 run and pass blockers among 79 qualified TEs. It’s unlikely he ever finds a more fantasy-friendly situation than in his past years as a starter with Ben Roethlisberger and company.