Eric Ebron the latest “new toy” for Big Ben to play with in the Steelers offense
After the blitz of the first day of free agency, Pittsburgh joined the league in making moves by signing former Colts TE Eric Ebron to a 2-year $12 million contract to help bolster an already potent passing game.
With the hopeful return of Ben Roethlisberger in the 2020 season, Ebron can add his receiving abilities to the passing game. One question about this small price tag is if it is risk-free?
Ebron’s 2019 campaign was hampered by ankle injuries which ultimately led up to him being placed on IR. Even though he has not played since November, I believe that the Steelers may have obtained a very underrated target for Big Ben.
I love Vance McDonald for the job that he has done, but he is not a route runner or a burner from the tight end spot. With the addition of Ebron, they have a mismatch that can help expand the dynamics of the passing game.
Looking on his career back to 2014, he averaged around ten yards per reception every year when healthy. Ebron also has a track record of being sure-handed, by only having two fumbles in his six-year career.
Ebron is a very dangerous vertical threat that thrives in a passing offense. His best year was 2018 with Andrew Luck. He finished with 66 catches for 750 yards and 13 touchdowns.
If Ben performs, like we know that he can (and he loves tight ends) one can imagine the production that Ebron can have this season.
Now, what does this mean for Vance McDonald?
Well, it depends on what Tomlin wants to do. We could still see Vance starting with having Ebron sub in for special passing situations. We could also see both on the field at the same time.
It will be interesting to see what is in store for the passing game. Let’s hope that Ebron can stay healthy so he can give the Steelers nation another spectacle to watch on Sunday.
