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Eric Ebron’s fifth-year option picked up by the Lions

By Mansur Shaheen

Nov 20, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron (85) after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron (85) after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Lions announced on Tuesday morning that they have elected to pick up the fifth-year option on Eric Ebron, holding on to him until 2018. The tight end’s fate remained in limbo heading into last week’s draft with rumors swirling that he may be replaced with David Njoku. Detroit elected against replacing Ebron in the draft, and 2017 will no longer be a contract year for the often-maligned tight end.

Although drops are still an issue for Ebron, he has improved every single year since being drafted by the Lions 10th overall in 2014. He was targeted by Matthew Stafford a career high 85 times in 2016, leading to a career high 61 receptions. He was a valuable member of the offense and helped soften the loss of Calvin Johnson last year.

Michael Roberts was drafted by the Lions in the fourth round to cover some of Ebron’s weaknesses. While Ebron has more length and athleticism, Roberts is a more physical tight end. Ebron struggles to use his strength to make plays on the ball, and is a near nonexistent blocker. Roberts is a better rushing and pass protector. He will serve as a nice complement to Ebron for at least the next two years.

Ebron will count for just under $4 million of cap space in 2017. That number will inflate to a $8 million in 2018 because of his status as a top ten pick. The deadline to pick up the option was today.

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