Lions notes: Jesse James named Detroit Lions’ most overpaid player

The Detroit Lions went on a spending spree last spring when NFL free agency opened for the 2019 season. They landed both Trey Flowers and Justin Coleman on huge deals, helping bolster their defense. One equally important signing that may have not made the same splash in the headlines was the acquisition of former Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James on a four-year deal worth $22 million.

While the deal may not have broke the bank, the $22 million does seem steep for a player who has not produced much in their career so far.

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox agrees, as he mentioned James as Detroit’s most overpaid player when he listed what he believes to be the most overpaid player on each NFL roster on Tuesday.

James is set to start the season backing up Lions first-round selection T.J. Hockenson, though it is possible he sees the field a lot in two tight end sets in the upcoming year.

• Steven Ruiz over at USA Today’s FTW ranked each NFL team’s current quarterback situation. Ruiz is not too high on Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, placing the Lions current situation at 26th.

• PFF Detroit Lions had an interesting tidbit today that could spell good news for Stafford.

• Staying with the quarterback theme, NFL Network’s Ali Bhanpuri ranked each franchise by their all-time franchise quarterbacks. Stafford was named the Lions’ all-time franchise quarterback (only QBs from 1967 and beyond were considered), and, once again, he was placed towards the bottom, as Detroit was ranked 30th.

• Lions cornerback Darius Slay was hard at work in the gym today, according to his Instagram story. This goes against a popular notion that the corner is using his holdout as an excuse to skip physical workouts.