The Panthers have already lost one franchise legend this offseason with the stunning, sudden retirement of inside linebacker Luke Kuechly. If Greg Olsen decides to trade his helmet in for a microphone, they’ll also have a large hole to fill at tight end.

And so our next 2020 potential free agent target profile is Eric Ebron, who played his college football at North Carolina.

Career stats:

After UNC, the Lions picked Ebron in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. He played in Detroit four years, totaling 186 catches, 2,070 yards and 11 touchdowns. Ebron really broke out when he went to the Colts, though. In two seasons with Indianapolis, he’s already posted 97 catches, 1,125 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Pros:

Ebron is not the superstar Olsen was in his prime. However, he is one of the league’s top pass-catching tight ends. His remarkable production with Andrew Luck in 2018 (750 yards, 13 touchdowns) proves he’s capable of putting up elite numbers with the right quarterback. Pairing him with Ian Thomas would give the Panthers another badly-needed red zone weapon and a strong foundation at the tight end position for a long time.

Cons:

The best tight ends in the game like George Kittle and Travis Kelce are capable receivers and blockers. While he’s got talent for catching the ball, Ebron isn’t exactly known for his run blocking or pass protection. He will get pancaked on occasion. Drops have been an issue in the past, as well.

Probability: Medium

It’s tough to overstate how much the Panthers will need help at tight end if Olsen does indeed retire, even if Thomas is everything they hoped he’d be. Ebron has a local connection and his former college teammate Tre Boston would no doubt lobby to bring him on board. This one feels like there’s a decent chance it could actually happen.

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