Upgrading the tight end position will be one of the top priorities for Bears general manager Ryan Pace this offseason. And an intriguing talent will be hitting free agency this year.
Eric Ebron, who spent the last two seasons with the Colts, won’t be returning to Indianapolis next season. That much was confirmed by Colts general manager Chris Ballad and Ebron himself.
When asked about Ebron on Thursday, Ballard said, “We’ll probably move on.” Ebron also tweeted the following, a clear indication that he’s hitting the open market.
☝🏾❤️ pic.twitter.com/o8fgCr3kYq
— Eric Ebron (@Ebron85) January 2, 2020
Given the Bears need at tight end, should Pace pursue Ebron in free agency?
While Ebron’s production in his second season with the Colts dipped from his first year, the 26-year-old Ebron would be an immediate upgrade for the Bears at tight end.
Trey Burton continues to be plagued by injuries, Adam Shaheen’s future remains in question and aside from promising play by J.P. Holtz and Jesper Horsted, the Bears really don’t have certainty at the tight end position.
But considering the Bears’ current salary cap situation — they currently have roughly $16 million in cap space for the 2020 season — it’ll be a challenge. While Pace is likely to find ways to free up more cap space, there are still in-house priorities that need to be addressed, including receiver Allen Robinson, safety Eddie Jackson and linebackers Nick Kwiatkoski and Kevin Pierre-Louis. Still, the Bears could certainly bring Ebron in on an affordable deal.
With tight end such an important offseason need for the Bears, expect Pace to consider free agency and the NFL Draft to upgrade the position.
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