Steelers Mike Tomlin ‘excited’ about TE Eric Ebron and what he brings

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed tight end Eric Ebron in free agency. Here’s what head coach Mike Tomlin had to say about his new offensive weapon.

The Pittsburgh Steelers reported to training camp this week and though camp in 2020 looks a lot different, Mike Tomlin wasted no time in answering some questions.

This week, Tomlin spoke to Teresa Varley of Steelers.com where he shed some light on topics including the stresses of young players, the condition players reported to camp in, and the challenges of virtual teaching in the spring.

During this time, he also touched on Eric Ebron and what it means to have him as a member of the Steelers. Here’s what Tomlin had to say, according to the article:

"“We’re familiar with Ebron’s talent. We’ve played him quite a bit since he’s been in the league. We are excited about acquiring him and adding him to our offensive mix. He’s a talented guy with a unique skillset for his position. We’re excited about carving out a role and highlighting those talents. Some of it may include multiple tight end personnel groups. Some of it may not. That’s a thing that’s going to be ironed out through this process. He’s a viable receiving option and one we are going to be excited about getting familiar with utilizing.”"

Though Ebron spent his first four seasons in the league as a member of the Detroit Lions, Tomlin got a closeup look at the tight end last season when the Steelers hosted the Indianapolis Colts. While Pittsburgh’s defense held Ebron in check that game, Tomlin knows what Ebron could bring to the table.

In 2018, Ebron was at the peak of his game with quarterback Andrew Luck at the helm. The athletic tight end earned 66 receptions for 750 yards and 13 touchdowns en route to his first Pro Bowl. However, 2019 was a different story. With Jacoby Brissett leading the charge, Ebron came back down to earth last year – collecting just 31 receptions, 375 yards, and 3 touchdowns in 11 games.

Though his production last year was very underwhelming, the Steelers hope Ebron could be the answer they have been searching for at the tight end position. In 2016, Pittsburgh experimented with former Chargers tight end, Ladarius Green. Green was a big presence that offered speed over the middle of the field as he had the ability to stretch the seem and get past defenders vertically. Unfortunately, concussion scares ultimately ended his career and he played in just 6 games for the Steelers.

While Vance McDonald was a solid addition in a pick-swap deal with the 49ers in 2017, he hasn’t played a full season in his seven-year career, and the Steelers were in need of another receiving threat over the middle.

The Steelers have high hopes for Eric Ebron, and pairing him with Ben Roethlisberger could be the spark both players need to revive their careers. It will be interesting to see what he will bring to Pittsburgh in 2020.