With news of Eric Ebron being released by the Detroit Lions, he immediately becomes one of the most interesting players for the Ravens to target in free agency. Here are a few reasons why:
First and foremost, Ebron is just 24 years old. The value of getting a free agent while he’s in his physical prime cannot be overstated. While Ben Watson was solid for the Ravens in 2017, at the age of 37, he’s not an explosive pass-catching threat anymore. He is absolutely a solid player, but solid isn’t going to cut it for the Ravens at this point. They need an explosive, young play-maker to run routes for Joe Flacco. Ebron fits that description.
Speaking of Flacco, guess who he loves to target? Tight ends. Although it didn’t amount to a ton of production in 2017, Ben Watson led the team with 61 receptions. We also can’t forget the chemistry Joe and Dennis Pitta had when Pitta was healthy. Flacco loves having a go-to tight end. Even the ones that have come in on brief contracts like Owen Daniels, or guys like Crockett Gillmore that have only had one season of decent health. Joe targeted those guys consistently. If Ebron is brought in, he could be one of those guys for years to come.
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Lastly, Ebron is just one of those play-makers. Do you know what I mean? He doesn’t have the 1,000-yard campaigns, and he’s never topped five touchdowns in a single season, but you just know he’s a guy that can make plays if you’ve ever watched him. He can go up and get it in the red zone, and he has decent speed to stretch the field between the 20’s. He’s big. He stands at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds.
The take home point:
He has competed for touches with different combinations of Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, and Marvin Jones over his four years. While the Ravens should absolutely be targeting a big-time wide receiver, it’s easy to imagine the kind of production Ebron could put up if he is given a featured pass-catcher role.
If signed, Eric Ebron would immediately become the Ravens most talented tight end. He can come in and become the Ravens top receiving threat without much competition. He is a bigger and faster playmaker than any of the seemingly endless amount of players they keep at the tight end position currently. While he has missed a few games from time to time with injury, none of his injuries have been season-ending.
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The Ravens have passed on many of the top free agent pass-catchers so far. Look for them to push a little harder to land Ebron, as cap cuts are much more Ozzie’s style.