The Viking Age
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5 potential replacements for Irv Smith Jr. in Minnesota

By Adam Carlson

Sep 14, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron (85) celebrates his reception against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron (85) celebrates his reception against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports) Eric Ebron /

Eric Ebron, free agent

At the moment, there hasn’t been any reported communication between the Minnesota Vikings and tight end Eric Ebron, but that could change if the team gets any more bad news about Irv Smith Jr. and his thumb.

Vikings fans will remember Ebron best for his time with the Detroit Lions where he was a top ten overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He struggled with controlling passes and completing the catch, causing him to be released.

The 6’4 tight end had an explosive season his first year away from Detroit, gaining 750 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns in 2018 with the Colts. He hasn’t been able to re-create that magic, but his potential showed during that one Pro Bowl year.

Ebron might not be a long-term answer at tight end but signing him to a one-year deal would fill the gap with a veteran presence who might be able to feast in the red zone with one-on-one matchups.

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