Former Steelers TE Jesse James Signs with Cleveland Browns

Former Steelers tight end Jesse James will join the Cleveland Browns on a one-year deal, according to a report by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

The Browns hosted James for a visit at their facility on Thursday. Since then, the sides had actively talked, and now, they have agreed to a deal. Cleveland is James’ fourth NFL team, including the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Browns, and Steelers. The former Steeler and Penn State product was a local product out of South Allegheny High School in Glassport.

James was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He played out his entire rookie contract from 2015 to 2018 in a Steelers uniform, including the infamous drop against the New England Patriots in 2017. He becomes the second former Steeler to sign with the Browns on Sunday, joining recently released tackle Joe Haeg.

Jesse James put up 12 touchdowns, 1,522 receiving yards, and 157 receptions throughout his career. Joining the Browns, he is likely to be the third option behind David Njoku and Harrison Bryant. James gives the Browns much-needed tight end depth to mix and match their personnel groupings.

Pittsburgh and Cleveland play Week 3 in Cleveland on Thursday Night Football. That will be the first time that the Steelers see James with a division rival since he left Pittsburgh.