Ex-Detroit Lions TE Eric Ebron: 'I have nothing to say about the organization'

Eric Ebron has a new home.

Less than a week after being released by the Detroit Lions in a cap-saving move, Ebron signed with the Indianapolis Colts, the Colts announced Monday night.

Ebron caught 186 passes in 56 career games, but was one of the most polarizing players on the Lions the last four seasons. He regularly ranked among the league leaders in drops, and was often jeered by home fans who took issue with his brash personality and inconsistent play.

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"I really have nothing to put in perspective on what happened there,” Ebron, via the Indy Star, said in a conference call with Indianapolis reporters when asked about his time in Detroit. “I’m on a totally different team and I have nothing to say about the organization. I’m really thankful for them blessing me with an opportunity to play. But I really have nothing to say about the organization.”

On Instagram, Ebron posted a picture of himself posing behind a Colts helmet and wrote, "I haven’t smiled like this in a long time. Me and my family can’t wait!"

The 10th pick of the 2014 NFL draft, Ebron was taken ahead of Pro Bowlers Odell Beckham Jr. and Aaron Donald, among others, and never lived his draft position down in Detroit.

He was a part-time starter as a rookie and showed modest improvement over his first three seasons, before reverting back to a part-time role last fall.

The Lions exercised the fifth-year option on Ebron's rookie contract last spring at the cost of $8.25 million, but ultimately found that price tag too expensive this month.

Ebron was the focal point of trade talks both last October and in recent weeks, but when the Lions couldn't find a taker for his salary, they decided to release him rather than guarantee his deal.

Birkett: Lions' underwhelming free agency doesn't spell doom in 2018

According to ESPN, Ebron's two-year contract with the Colts is worth a maximum of $15 million.

The Lions, meanwhile, have hosted three tight ends on free-agent visits in recent weeks, including former San Francisco 49ers tight end Logan Paulsen on Monday. Previously, they hosted ex-Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek and former Seattle Seahawks tight end Luke Willson on visits.

The team has indicated to players its hosted that it plans to both sign a veteran and add a draft pick at the position this offseason.

Currently, the Lions have three tight ends on their roster who have just four receptions between them: Michael Roberts, a fourth-round pick out of Toledo last year; Hakeem Valles, who spent most of last season on the practice squad; and Brandon Barnes, who signed a futures deal with the team in January.

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Contact Dave Birkett: dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

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