TO CLOSE

Dave Birkett divides Monday, March 11, 2019 the Detroit Lions' first day of free competition.
Detroit Free Press

He's not the American outlaw.

But Jesse James could give the Detroit Lions the tight presence they need for next season.

James, who has played the last four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a rookie contract, has accepted the terms of the contract with the Lions on Monday in a whirlwind Monday for the franchise.

James was the fourth player to sign with the Lions before the official opening at the free agency on Wednesday. And James, who has just finished a modest season with the Steelers – he had 30 receptions, 423 yards, two touchdowns in 2018 – meets a compelling need in Detroit.

With this in mind, here are three things to know about the new Lions receiver:

Pittsburgh Steelers' Jesse James (81) fails to hold the ball as he crosses the goal line against Devin McCourty (32), goalkeeper of the New England Patriots, and Duron. Harmon (30) in the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The game was deemed an incomplete pass. The Patriots won 27-24. (Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

Jesse James … meets Megatron

Jesse James. Meet Calvin Johnson.

James was part of One of the most brutal pieces in Steelers' regular season history has played an important role in the NFL, which has redesigned the famous buying rule that began with former Lions catcher Calvin Johnson.

In the final game of the 2017 regular season, James seemed to score a touchdown in the last minute at Heinz Field against the New England Patriots. The win would have given the Steelers first place in the AFC playoffs.

Jesse clearly grabbed the ball inside the 2-meter line and pushed it past the goal line when his knee and elbow hit the ground. His left hand then rolled over the top of the ball while his right hand remained underneath.

The score was reviewed, and the replay official determined that he was not controlling the ball as he was touching the ground in the end zone. The game was overthrown and in March 2018, the NFL simplified its rule to eliminate the need to complete the "capture process", which began sadly with the return of Johnson's capture by TD in 2010.

Automatic reading

Thumbnails poster

Show captions

Last slide next

The Pittsburgh Kardashians

James's best performance last season could have been his synthesis of the drama out of the Steelers' field. You know, the & # 39; Veon Bell is resisting the whole season. Antonio Brown misses the last game of the year. Or Ben Roethlisberger barking his coaches and teammates on the radio.

Here's what James thinks about it, according to Penn Live:

"Ah man, we are … Kardashians, we have, I mean, we are something," said James in December. All other weeks. There are only people who call people. "

A great name, indeed

The 6-foot-7 James was a fifth-round pick from Penn State in 2015 and, in every respect, it was well worth the four years spent with the Steelers.

James was the # 1 option in Pittsburgh until he split his time with Vance McDonald starting at the start of the 2017 season. He was one of the top options in a limited agency market. free in the post-season.

James is considered a solid blocker, but more importantly, he could give the Lions a safety net if they choose to continue on a tight course in the NFL Avils draft.

Chris Thomas is the sports editor of the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter. @bychristhomas.