By MIchael Stets
On the day of the deadline, the Detroit Lions have exercised the fifth-year option on Eric Ebron’s rookie contract, which will pay the tight end a little over $8 million in 2018.
The team announced the news in a press release on Tuesday.
When a fifth-year option is picked up, the top 10 selections from the 2014 NFL draft receive salaries equal to the average of the 10 highest paid players at their position. Ebron was drafted 10th overall by the Lions in 2014 out of North Carolina. His 2018 salary is guaranteed only through injury.
During his pre-draft press conference, Quinn had said it was a possibility that this year’s draft could have an impact on the team’s decision on Ebron. After drafting tight end Michael Roberts from Toledo in the fourth round of the draft, it seemed like a foregone conclusion they would go forward with the fifth-year for Ebron. “I don’t think it affects the decision on Eric that we’ll make here in the next couple days,” Quinn said on Saturday evening.
Ebron, 24, had his best statistical season in 2016, finishing the year with 61 receptions, 711 yards and one touchdown in 13 games. After a disappointing rookie campaign with only 25 receptions, the Newark, N.J. native reeled in 47 catches and scored five touchdowns in 2015. He is due to make $1.5 million in base salary for 2017 with a roster bonus of $500,000.