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Detroit Lions trade deadline talk: Eric Ebron, Calvin Johnson

By Steven Mullenax

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 27: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions warms up prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field on December 27, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 27: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions warms up prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field on December 27, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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The names of two Detroit Lions are popping up in the national media a couple days before the trade deadline. They are tight end Eric Ebron and retired receiver Calvin Johnson.

Two days prior to the Halloween NFL trade deadline, and the Detroit Lions are front and center in the national media. And that’s due to two players, not just one.

And although one player is likely to be moved by the quickly approaching deadline, the other is not. Those Lions’ players being tight end Eric Ebron and retired wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

According to several sources, Detroit’s front office has fielded calls about both players. Ebron was a top ten draft selection back in 2014 that never really panned out in the Motor City. Although, the 24-year old has posted improving numbers through his first three seasons in the league, this year has been a regression.

So far this season, Ebron’s recorded 13 receptions, for 113 yards and one score through six games. He also has three drops on the season. Ebron was third in the NFL last season with seven drops. More than any other player on the roster, the fourth-year tight end appears to be in need of a new environment. But more poor performances elsewhere could also mean the end of his young career.

According to Pro Football Talk, they were told by a league source with knowledge of the situation the Lions will “almost surely” trade Ebron in the next couple days. Detroit picked up his fifth-year option in the offseason, placing him under contract through 2018. That mean this is the best time for a team to make a move for Ebron if they want to develop him.

The other trade talk in the Motor City involves the rights to retired wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Megatron retired unexpectedly more than two years ago. The now 32-year old receiver has been adamant about not returning to football. That hasn’t stopped NFL teams from calling Detroit’s front office and inquiring about trading for his rights.

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Is it any wonder why teams would still be interested in Calvin Johnson despite the fact he’s been out of football for nearly three years. There aren’t many people alive that can run 4.35 at 6-foot-5, 237 pounds. Johnson was special. And even years removed from the sport, his value remains sky high. But it appears Johnson’s desire to play again simply isn’t there.

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