Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 offseason needs in 2019

By Conor Myles | Feb 21, 2019

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before the NFC Divisional Playoff against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 08: Jesse James #81 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after a 8 yard touchdown reception during the third quarter in the game against the Carolina Panthers at Heinz Field on November 8, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

3. Jesse James, TE

James hasn’t created the impact the Pittsburgh Steelers were hoping for after they started utilizing him more since 2016. The 24-year-old tight end enters free agency after being targeted a total of 173 times while catching 120 of those targets for 1,189 receiving yards and nine touchdowns during his four-year career.

Getting looks in a Pittsburgh offense — with a full arsenal of weapons — is not an easy task. James could benefit with a change of scenery, and Jacksonville may be the destination that gives him more opportunity to showcase the receiving ability he possesses after averaging 14.1 yards per reception in 2018.

While James is becoming a more well-rounded tight end after developing more of a role in an aerial attack, the former fifth-round pick was always known for his blocking ability coming out of Penn State. James has only allowed three sacks after being asked to pass-block on 236 snaps during his four-year stretch in Pittsburgh.

James blocking ability helps improve the right side of Jacksonville’s offensive line that has proven to become the weaker link of the unit. The Jaguars are looking for a replacement at tight end after declining Austin Seferian-Jenkins option for 2019. James should be their primary target.

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