Cincinnati Bengals free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Tight end Jesse James #81 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the game against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-21. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 16: Jesse James #81 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs upfield after a catch as J.C. Jackson #27 of the New England Patriots defends in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

1. TE Jesse James (Pittsburgh Steelers)

He was the 21st overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft. Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert was an ideal addition to a Cincinnati Bengals’ offense led by quarterback Andy Dalton and wide receiver A.J. Green. And the former Golden Domer proved his worth in his rookie season, playing and starting in 15 games and catching 39 passes for 445 yards and two scores. He would be limited to one game in his second season but he returned with a vengeance in ’15. Eifert played in 13 contests, was targeted 74 times and hauled in 52 passes (615 yards) – 13 for touchdowns.

But these past three seasons have been a nightmare for a player than was named to the Pro Bowl in 2015. Injuries have led the six-year pro to miss a total of 34 games. In 14 outings over a three-year span, there have been 48 grabs, six for TDs. In the past two seasons, Eifert has taken the field only six times.

A year ago, the Bengals opted to bring back the oft-injured performer back on a one-year contract. Will that be the case again? Would that indeed be a wise investment considering the player’s inability to consistently stay on the field?

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The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be a team in search of a lot of things right now. It’s the longtime pride and joy of the Rooney’s. But recently, four-year tight end Jesse James compared his team to another family (via Jacob Klinger of PennLive.com). More importantly, he’s played in every game for the club the past three seasons and caught 112 passes – eight for touchdowns. And signing James would help the Bengals and hurt their longtime rival just a bit.

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