A lot of people weren't happy with the news that Mitch Trubisky would likely be the Chicago Bears starter in 2020. Not a surprise. He's coming off easily the most disappointing season of his career. One that had loads of hype behind it only to see him regress in every category from passing yards, to touchdowns and passer rating. For many, it was the year that removed any doubts about whether he was a true franchise guy or not.
However, not everybody has given up hope that he can be the guy. GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy both reinforced their own beliefs that the 25-year old showed signs of growth. It just requires a little more time. Teammates in the locker room have also remained steadfast in support of him. As it turns out, some interesting names outside the organization may share that feeling. For example, when ESPN NFL announced the Bears' intentions to keep Trubisky as the starter, one current player responded positively.
Eric Ebron is the former tight end of the Detroit Lions who has spent the past two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. Why would he have any interest in Trubisky? Well for one, the two attended the same school. Ebron went to North Carolina from 2011 to 2013. Trubisky redshirted for the team his final year there. So they knew each other. Then in 2018, the two reconnected in person for the first time at the Pro Bowl. So the two not only have a lot in common but are quite familiar with each other. This response by Ebron would suggest that connection remains strong.
In fact, he's been a fan of Trubisky's ever since he saw the QB for the first time in practice back in college.
"He was on the practice squad," Ebron said, "and I was just amazed how well he threw the damn football. I mean, there isn't a place he couldn't put the football. And I can't wait for him to develop in this league. I told him that. 'You can do this, bro. There's a lot of people we played with that come into the NFL, and I'm like, ehhh? But you? You can do this.'"
Chicago Bears are an obvious landing spot for Ebron
There is no way this move is an accident on Ebron's part. The tight end is set to become a free agent this March. By the sound of things, his time with the Colts has come to an end. GM Chris Ballard made that abundantly clear when asked about it during his end-of-year press conference. He needed only one sentence.
“We’ll probably move on.”
There have been rumors for weeks that Ebron is not on the best of terms with head coach Frank Reich due to his overall usage in the offense. Indeed the number of targets per game dropped from 6.87 to 4.72 this past season. Considering he scored 13 touchdowns the season prior and was in a contract year, one can understand why he might be upset.
Sending this sort of message to the Bears should look like an obvious ploy. For one, Chicago is just a short distance away from Indy, so it's an easy jump. Then there's the fact that the team is in desperate need of help at tight end. Nobody on their current roster topped 100 yards in 2019. Despite the red flags, a potential playmaker like Ebron would look so tantalizing.
Add in the prior connection to Trubisky?
It seems like such a perfect fit. Whether the Chicago Bears can afford the undoubted high price it would take to get him is another story. Despite his somewhat disappointing year, Ebron is 26 and will likely demand top dollar on the open market. Something in the vicinity of $9 million per year. Give other pressing needs on their roster, it would be difficult for the team to justify paying him that much. Especially since he only has one great season to his credit coupled with five average ones.
