Multiple reports say Steelers No. 2 tight end Jesse James will sign a deal to join the Lions as a free agent.
The deal cannot be completed until 4 p.m. Wednesday, but James agreed to join the Lions during the NFL's legal negotiating period, which began at noon Monday.
Complete terms of the deal have not been announced, but James is expected to get a decent raise from the $1.9 million he earned last season with the Steelers.
A former fifth-round pick out of Penn State, James, 24, caught 120 passes for 1,189 yards and nine touchdowns in four seasons with the Steelers.
His departure leaves the Steelers with starter Vance McDonald and backup Xavier Grimble on the active roster. The Steelers also carried Bucky Hodges and NFL international player Christian Scotland-Williamson on their practice squad last season, while Jake McGee was on injured reserve.
LOLLEY'S VIEW
This is not unexpected. The Steelers weren't going to offer James a big raise. And even though he's a Pittsburgh kid, he had to take a shot at a big payday.
James wasn't going to surpass McDonald as the starter, but he's been a valuable player as the No. 2. He's been durable and, though he's not a dynamic playmaker, his availability each week is something any team can use.
The Steelers figured this might happen, which is why they placed a tender offer on Grimble last week to protect themselves.
They figured to draft a tight end at some point, but with McDonald firmly entrenched as the starter and coming off a 50-catch season in 15 games, it will probably be a little later in the draft.
