James is in line for an expanded role in the Steelers' offense after Heath Miller retired from the NFL on Friday, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.
Miller's announcement opens a void in the offense to be filled by James, Matt Spaeth, Xavier Grimble, and any other tight end obtained in the offseason. Spaeth is primarily known as a blocking specialist, leaving James, a 2015 fifth-round pick, as the prime pass-catching option remaining on the roster. Although James was inactive until Week 9, he logged nearly 17 percent of the offensive snaps in the regular season, which translated to eight catches (on 11 targets) for 56 yards and one touchdown.