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UNC Football: Steelers excited to have Eric Ebron on board

By Blake Cockrum

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 20: Eric Ebron #85 of the Indianapolis Colts takes the field before the start of the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 20: Eric Ebron #85 of the Indianapolis Colts takes the field before the start of the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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Former UNC football standout Eric Ebron ready to begin new chapter with Pittsburgh Steelers

Eric Ebron signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March after a largely successful couple of seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.

Sure, his overall numbers were down in 2019, but that was primarily because of a change at quarterback that saw Jacoby Brissett take over for the now-retired former Pro-Bowler, Andrew Luck. Ebron notched a career-high in touchdowns the season before when he and Luck connected for 13 scores. Despite crossing the goal line just three times after Luck’s departure, Ebron’s yard-per-reception and yard-per-target averages were higher in 2019.

With a future Hall-of-Famer at quarterback for the Steelers, and a myriad of offensive weapons at his disposal, Pittsburgh feels as if Ebron will be a tremendous addition to the squad in 2020. Steelers offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner said as much in a recent interview, noting that Ebron’s skill set fits in well with what Roethlisberger and company are trying to do in Pittsburgh this season.

"“Eric’s exciting because he’s a been-there, done-that guy in this league”, Fichtner said of Ebron. “He has a very skillful set that obviously lends itself to the passing game. He can be a mismatch concern for linebacker types, strong safety types”."

Fichtner and the Steelers are hoping that the former Tar Heel can replicate with Roethlisberger the kind of season that he had with Luck in 2018 when he caught 66 passes for 750 yards and finished second in the league in touchdown receptions.

"“We’ve tried to be very intelligent about where we put him and not overdo it too quickly to where he can’t play fast”, Fichtner said. “If there was a guy that you would’ve loved to have in OTAs and minicamp, that would’ve been very helpful and useful for him, as well as their connection, him and Ben”.“But he does have a skillset that is very unique”, he continued, referencing a true pass-catching tight end in the Steelers’ offense. “He can catch the football, that I can promise you. He can snatch a ball. He’s pretty strong at the catch point, he can separate. There’s a lot there to be excited about”."

Ebron and the Steelers begin their season on Monday, September 14 when they take on the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.

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