The Lions were listening to trade offers for tight end Eric Ebron at last weekend’s scouting combine, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
This isn’t the first time Detroit general manager Bob Quinn has discussed Ebron in trade talks, as the 24-year-old tight end was reportedly drawing interest prior to the 2017 trade deadline. Although the Lions had multiple inquiries, they opted to retain Ebron last November, and now have him under contract next season thanks to his fifth-year option.
Because Detroit exercised Ebron’s 2018 option, the former first-round pick is now scheduled to earn a base salary of $8.25MM for the upcoming campaign. That total is guaranteed for injury only, meaning the Lions could release Ebron before March 14 — the first day of the new league year — and escape that entire total. Any team that acquired Ebron would be responsible for that entire total, although they could opt to extend the pass-catcher, something Detroit had mulled but never accomplished.
Ebron, for his part, appeared in all 16 games for the first time in his four-year career. He recorded 53 receptions for 574 yards and four touchdowns, and while his yards per reception dropped nearly a full yard, Ebron ranked 11th in the league in yardage among tight ends and 12th in receptions. Ebron’s blocking skills aren’t anything special, as he finished 37th among 71 tight ends in run-blocking, per Pro Football Focus.
Interest in Ebron could be linked to a relatively weak free agent tight end market, where Trey Burton, Jimmy Graham, and Tyler Eifert ranks as the top three options available. Teams might believe Ebron and his one-year salary — or a short extension — is a better value than any tight end on the open market, all of whom have their flaws. Detroit, of course, may be weighing the same considerations, as a trade would mean it needs to potentially replace Ebron and Darren Fells, the latter of whom will reach free agency next week.
I hope they trade him or release and sign a real threat in Jimmy Graham. Ebron is a streaky guy and not consistent. Detroit could utilize Graham the way he needs to be, like he was in New Orleans! (Stafford would have weapons all over except of course at running back. )