Detroit Lions: Retaining Eric Ebron was the right call

To the surprise of many fans, the Detroit Lions opted not to trade their starting tight end. Kudos to Bob Quinn and the rest of the staff.

Boo to all the Detroit Lions fans who have put tight end Eric Ebron on blast. I’m elated that he is staying in Detroit.

Part of the reason being how important he is to our team despite the frustrating drops. What I enjoy most of all is the whining fans that wanted him gone can eat their jeers.

It’s a good thing most Lions fans don’t work in the front office. Seriously, what were fans expecting to get for a guy like Ebron? And even if he was traded, who do the Lions sign to replace him?

All of those questions are valid. What most of those people who hate on the former first round pick don’t understand is you can’t give someone up for nothing and you need a solid replacement for that player they are traded. Detroit had neither.

In case anyone forgot, Darren Fells and Michael Roberts have dealt with drops as well. Trading Ebron away would have made a position that’s already struggling a disaster.

The 31 years old Fells isn’t nearly the vertical threat as the ex-UNC star is but has the advantage as a blocker. Granted, Ebron has been fairly impressive and improved as a blocker this year.

Roberts, a rookie from Toledo, has had the typical rookie struggles with drops and hasn’t been too impressive talent-wise. There was no way he would be ready to step up as the number two tight end had Ebron been traded.

Any way you slice it, our starting tight end isn’t going anywhere, at least until the season is over. Even then, the decision to keep him long-term or keep him on the fifth-year option doesn’t affect the present.

Next: Detroit Lions road to respectability starts in Green Bay

There’s no telling what he can do and what the future holds. I’ll continue to stand in Ebron’s corner and I’m excited to see what good things will transpire for the duration of the 2017 season.