Ben Roethlisberger’s desire for another big tight end target was answered when the Steelers signed 6’4 free agent Eric Ebron in March.
Just as the offense sputtered without Roethlisberger in 2019, so did Ebron without Andrew Luck. In 11 games, the tight end was limited to 375 yards and three touchdowns.
Ebron put on quite a show in 2018, though. He had career-highs in receptions (66), yards (750) and touchdowns (14) with the Indianapolis Colts. This, I believe, is a better glimpse of the Big Ben to Big Eric potential. There are so many mouths to feed in Pittsburgh that it’s doubtful Ebron’s 2018 will be replicated, but I don’t think eight to 10 scores are out of the question.
According to Pro Football Reference, of Ebron’s 28 career touchdowns, 18 occurred in the red-zone (14 in 2018 and 4 in 2019).
Ebron is in excellent company when it comes to turning red zone receptions into points. He’s tied for third-most red zone touchdowns with Kansas City Chiefs Travis Kelce. Philadelphia Eagles’ Zach Ertz has the most with 21, followed by former Atlanta Falcon Austin Hooper with 19.
By contrast, Vance McDonald has 11 red zone touchdowns in the same span.
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