In the last several days, the Detroit Lions have been edging toward moving on from veteran tight end Eric Ebron with the conversation centered on finding a suitable trade for him. This had come after the two sides were unable to work out a new deal as he was in the fifth-year option worth $8.2 million in his rookie contract.
This created much uncertainty surrounding his long-term future with the franchise heading into the free agency period. However, Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that the Lions have finally made a decision to part ways with the 24-year-old on Wednesday afternoon.
After failing to find a trade partner for him, Lions are releasing former first-round pick Eric Ebron, per source. Another TE hits the market.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2018
Detroit had hoped to work out a deal, but there was no team likely willing to take on his 2018 salary at this point in time. The decision to cut Ebron now opens up $8.2 million of salary cap space for the Detroit front office to work with to possibly look to acquire additional talent at the position or address other areas of need.
Ebron is coming off a 2017 season where he had a notable dip in production, recording 53 catches for 574 receiving yards and four touchdowns. This was a huge drop off from his breakout 2016 season where he had career highs across the board with 61 catches for 711 receiving yards and a touchdown. This likely led to the franchise having some doubts he could develop into a highly dependable option at the position.
Through his first four years seasons in Detroit, he had become a fixture in the passing game as one of the reliable options for Pro Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford. However, he had struggled at times be a true threat in the red zone and often times wasn't a factor in the offensive game plan.
Ebron now has an opportunity to test the open market where he could attract plenty of interest among teams needing help at tight end. He is also still relatively young and could prosper in a new landing spot to become a more legitimate threat in the passing game.
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