Detroit Lions: How will Eric Ebron’s release change free agency?
The Detroit Lions have surprised many fans by releasing Eric Ebron this week. What will they do with the added cap money from the tight end’s ouster?
On Wednesday, the Detroit Lions have cut tight end Eric Ebron. The Lions have since released a short statement verifying the move.
Cutting Ebron saves the team $8.25 million this season. With the former first rounder gone, what can the Lions do to replace his production (cue the jokes) and move on with a hole in their starting lineup?
The Lions already lost out on re-signing Darren Fells, who did a nice job when Ebron wasn’t in the game. Fells caught three touchdowns on just seventeen catches. Alas, he is now a Cleveland Brown. Of the tight ends left on the roster, second year man, Mike Roberts, is the only draftee and the only Lions player who’s played any.
Ebron had some good moments, ranked eleventh in tight end receiving yards in 2017, and was still only 24 years old. As a first round pick, Ebron could never live down that Odell Beckham, Jr. was drafted after him, ditto Pro-Bowl defensive end, Aaron Donald.
Cap update
The Lions sit with about $24 million in cap space, as of Thursday night. It was rumored that the Lions intended to go after h-back/ tight end, Trey Burton, but he was offered $32 million by the Chicago Bears.
What now?
For the most part, general manager, Bob Quinn, hasn’t changed his MO, modus operandi; he’s being very cautious and signing players that are lower cost and a bit under the radar. Quinn was rumored to have serious interest in some big free agents, so far. Rumors included corner backs, Richard Sherman and Malcolm Butler, and tight ends, Trey Burton and Jimmy Graham; all of whom received around or above $30 million dollars this free agency period.
The Lions have opted to avoid the big contracts, a very Patriots-esque move, re-signed a couple of their own free agents, and are waiting to see who’s left in the next phase.
Quinn re-signed Nevin Lawson, corner back, Tavon Wilson, safety, Jake Rudock, quarterback, and Nick Bellore, linebacker, to come back for the 2018 season.
In addition, Detroit added linebackers, Devon Kennard, outside, and Christian Jones, inside, while getting corner back, DeShawn Shead, and guard, Kenny Wiggins.
Other former Lions: cornerback D.J. Hayden, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, tight end Darren Fells, and safety Don Carey have all signed elsewhere. And linebacker Tahir Whitehead is going to the Oakland Raiders as of Thursday night.
A couple of those players seemed like they were coming back with no problems, too. In particular, missing out on Ngata and Fells leaves the Lions very thin at those positions.
Tight end
Michael Roberts being the most seasoned member in the tight end room, now, I would expect a couple of moves prior to the Draft. There are other free agents available, a list is here from Sportrac.
Names like: Julius Thomas, Zach Miller, and Ben Watson had some similar production. All would cost significantly less than the $8.25 million Ebron would’ve cost for this year.
Thomas’ $6.1 million was the closest of the three; Miller’s $2.75 million would seem like a real bargain. Of course, none are nearly as young as Ebron, who is 24. The others are from 29-37.
Next: Lions must show patience in 2018 free agent market
Free agency
Aside from whiffing on Ngata, Detroit was supposed to be in the running for former Eagle, Beau Allen, another tackle. Here is a list of other signings and free agents available.
The Lions have been meeting with multiple D-line players: Quinton Dial and Ricky Jean Francois. Quinn has also met with running back, Frank Gore, and tight end, Brent Celek. In addition the Lions are again hosting running back LeGarrette Blount. Blount, was courted last off-season, by bob Quinn, but signed with the Eagles.