Lions set to release Eric Ebron
As time winds down to the free agency period, the Detroit Lions have decided to cut tight end Eric Ebron.
The former first-round pick is heading into his fifth season in the NFL. His fifth-year option for was to be guaranteed at the deadline, 4:00 p.m. ET. Hence, his release just hours before the deadline arrived.
#Lions will cut former 10th overall pick TE Eric Ebron, per @AdamSchefter
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 14, 2018
The Lions drafted Ebron 10th-overall back in 2014. The former North Carolina Tar Heel has been average, but yet to really break out. His career-high 711 yards on 61 receptions came in 2016, and that was with only 13 games played. Ebron has shown potential, but was never the focal point of the offense in Detroit. Marvin Jones and Golden Tate commanded most of the targets from Matt Stafford.
If Ebron goes to a team who prioritizes a tight end, he could cause some serious damage. He is still only 24, soon to turn 25, meaning he is entering the prime years of his career. At 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, Ebron is a physical powerhouse. He is a huge red zone target, but is capable of run blocking as well. His versatility is valuable, but due to cap reasons the team parted ways. Hard to blame the Lions, $8.25 million for a player who only had 574 yards last season is a bit much.
This now places Detroit in the market for a tight end to replace Ebron. It only has former fourth-round pick Michael Roberts on the roster as of this moment. Perhaps players such as Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Ed Dickson are on their radar.
As for Ebron, he is surely to find a new home. The Seahawks, Saints, and Jaguars all need a new tight end. The Seahawks have been very active since releasing Jimmy Graham, perhaps they give Ebron a call. Teams want a tight end with good hands and a large frame, Ebron has both.