Were the Detroit Lions wrong to part ways with Eric Ebron?

The Detroit Lions are still trying to find production out of their tight end position. Does this mean they were wrong to release longtime disappointment Eric Ebron?

For four years, former Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron crumbled under the weight of his lofty draft expectations in the Motor City. Now, in his first season with the Indianapolis Colts, the 25-year old is experiencing a career-resurgence. Did Detroit give up on Ebron too soon?

The Lions passed over big names like wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., offensive tackle Taylor Lewan, defensive tackle Aaron Donald in order to select Ebron 10th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. Coming out of North Carolina, he seemed to have all the makings of the next great playmaking tight end.

Unfortunately, Ebron was never able to live up to that billing in Detroit. He posted a disappointing  25 receptions for 248 yards and a single touchdown as a rookie. Ebron nearly doubled those numbers the following year recording 47 catches for 537 yards and five scores in 2015.

Ebron started showing signs of reaching his potential in 2016, racking up a career-high 61 receptions for 711 yards. But he was only able to get into the endzone once in 13 games. Last year, Ebron’s numbers dipped slightly, recording 53 catches for 574 yards and four touchdowns.

Here’s what NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks had to say about Ebron’s time in Detroit.

"“Part of Ebron’s failures could be attributed to scheme and utilization, but the bulk of the blame belongs to the young player due to his immaturity, inconsistent hands and lack of discipline. Lions officials questioned his commitment to the game and wondered if he would ever get it as a pro. Moreover, they didn’t think he could evolve from his role as a pass-catching tight end to the traditional ‘Y’ position.”"

In May of 2017, the Lions opted to pick up Ebron’s fifth-year option despite his inconsistent play. It meant the tight end was due to make a whopping $8.25 million in 2018. That scheduled payout loomed large over Detroit’s organization this offseason. And as a result, the Lions released Ebron to free agency in March without a proper replacement established.

Five days following his release Ebron inked a two-year deal to play for the Colts. And through eight games this season, the former Lions tight end is tied for second in the NFL in receiving touchdowns with seven.

Ebron has posted a total of 36 receptions for 394 yards and those seven scores for Indianapolis so far this season. He is on pace to set career-highs in every meaningful statically category including double-digit touchdown receptions. In comparison, the Lions entire tight end unit has posted a combined 19 receptions for 163 yards and only three touchdowns in seven games.

So, did the Detroit Lions move on prematurely from Eric Ebron this offseason? Based on production, the answer is a clear yes. But Ebron never really clicked in Detroit. And in a new environment he’s flourished. There is a serious argument to be made that even if he was in the Motor City right now, Ebron would still be disappointing Lions’ fans on a weekly basis.