5 tight ends the Detroit Lions should target in 2019

The Detroit Lions will need to address their tight end position once again this offseason. Here are five players we think they should target.

Last season, the Detroit Lions‘ depth chart at tight end was one of the weakest in the NFL. Free agent adds in veterans Luke Willson and Levine Toilolo failed to replace Eric Ebron‘s production, who was released by the team last offseason. While second-year tight end Michael Roberts once again fell short of his potential as a 2017 fourth rounder.

According to MLive.com, the Lions’ front office tried to make several moves last year for a veteran tight end, but attempts to sign Philadelphia Eagles free agent Trey Burton and a potential trade for New England Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski both fell through.

With both Willson and Toilolo scheduled to become free agents and the underwhelming Roberts coming off a season-ending shoulder injury, the Lions will be in the market to get quarterback Matthew Stafford more help at the tight end position. Here are five veterans we believe Detroit should target in the coming months.

#1. Jesse James, TE – Pittsburgh Steelers

Age: 24
Height/Weight: 6-7, 261
Years in NFL: 4
2018 Salary: $1.95 million
2018 Stats: 30 recs, 423 yards, 2 tds
2019 Status: Free Agent

Analysis: Low-key, James might be the best free agent tight end in this class. A steady force for the offensive minded Steelers for the past three seasons, the 24-year could emerge as a star for the right offense. Is that in Detroit? Stafford certainly needs a large red zone target like James and having a reliable presence should do wonders for the veteran quarterback’s efficiency.