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Can Eric Ebron be successful as a Packer?
Tight end Eric Ebron (85) remains a free agent, but signing with the Packers could benefit both sides. Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Can Eric Ebron be successful as a Packer?

The tight end position in Green Bay is deep but in flux at the moment. Top pass-catching tight end Robert Tonyan is reportedly "on track" to play in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings after returning from a torn ACL he suffered last October. In his last full season in 2020, Tonyan led all tight ends in touchdown receptions with 11. Marcedes Lewis is returning for his whopping 17th NFL season and is a huge asset in run-blocking. But after those two players, there is some inexperience. Third-year tight end Josiah Deguara is coming off his first full season in the league after tearing his ACL as a rookie. Dominique Dafney is more of a fullback than a tight end. Tyler Davis is more of a special teams contributor than anything else. With the Packers' $17 million in cap space, would they consider bringing on another pass-catching tight end to give quarterback Aaron Rodgers some more help? Veteran Eric Ebron could be a possible free-agent target if need be.

The soon-to-be nine-year veteran is coming off a down year in Pittsburgh when he played in just eight games. But aside from his rookie season in 2014 and 2021, Ebron has either recorded more than 50 receptions, over 500 receiving yards or an average of at least 12 yards-per-reception in every year of his career. The former Tar Heel's best season came in 2018 with the Colts when he caught 66 receptions for 750 yards and 13 touchdowns — all career highs. The former Pro Bowler has caught passes throughout his career from the likes of Matthew Stafford, Andrew Luck and Ben Roethlisberger. He knows how to perform well on good teams with great quarterbacks. Ebron has also expressed interest in playing with Rodgers before too. That could be a nice little tandem, especially in the red zone, if both parties could come to an agreement.

Ebron would form a nice duo with Tonyan too. Both have been successful pass-catching tight ends in their time in the league. Lewis would be the key run-blocking tight end. The other backups could learn from the experienced veterans. A one-year deal would make complete sense in this scenario. Maybe even a two-year deal with Lewis growing older. 

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Nick Saban responds to speculation about coaching return amid NFL rumors
NFL

Nick Saban responds to speculation about coaching return amid NFL rumors

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Athletics' Nick Kurtz makes MLB history vs. Astros
MLB

Athletics' Nick Kurtz makes MLB history vs. Astros

Athletics rookie first baseman Nick Kurtz already had an impressive start to his career. Kurtz entered Friday having posted a .288/.360/.622 batting line in 265 plate appearances, hitting 19 homers and 17 doubles. Despite making his major league debut on April 23, Kurtz has been the A's most valuable player, leading the team with 2.6 bWAR. He appeared to be on the cusp of becoming the superstar the A's needed to sell the team to the residents of Las Vegas. That performance set the stage for what may have been the most impressive game for any rookie in major league history. Kurtz became the 20th player in MLB history to have a four-home run game and the first rookie to achieve that feat. Kurtz's performance also put the 2025 season into baseball history. Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez had a four-home run game on April 26, making this the third time that there have been two four-homer games in a season. That had happened in 2002 (outfielders Mike Cameron and Shawn Green) and 2017 (utility man Scooter Gennett and left fielder J.D. Martinez). Kurtz did not stop with those four homers. He was 6-6 in the A's 15-3 victory over the Astros, with a double and eight runs batted in. The favorite to win the AL Rookie of the Year award, Kurtz put an emphatic stamp on an already impressive season with his barrage on Friday.

ESPN Predicts Mets-Twins Trade One Week Before Deadline
MLB

ESPN Predicts Mets-Twins Trade One Week Before Deadline

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Quinn Ewers’ Camp Performance Forces Dolphins Into Tough QB Decision
NFL

Quinn Ewers’ Camp Performance Forces Dolphins Into Tough QB Decision

Being the backup quarterback isn't necessarily the most exciting role for anyone, but for a team like the Miami Dolphins, where starter Tua Tagovailoa has suffered four concussions since entering the NFL in 2020, it could be vital. As of now, a clear battle for that spot has formed between rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers and veteran former first-round selection Zach Wilson as they go head-to-head. Of course, training camp is where these kinds of questions can be solved, and so far, it appears that Ewers has done a good job in putting his best foot forward. On Friday, David Furones of the Sun Sentinel gave a very positive update on the young quarterback, stating, "Dolphins rookie QB Quinn Ewers had a strong third practice of training camp. Made several impressive, big-time throws." The update sparked conversations among many fans, both supporting Ewers and a serious showing that there's interest in seeing who comes out on top. "Show ‘em, Quinn," said one comment. "He just does a lot of things (anticipatory throws, timing throws, MOTF accuracy, etc.) that fit this system much better than what Wilson does. I think with refinement and development we could have a backup in Miami that can operate the offense efficiently…finally," said another. "Love to hear it!" a third added. A fourth stated, "I'd be surprised if he's not the backup.." "I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Quinn Ewers has the physical tools to stick at the next level. It’s just a matter of shaping the rest," a fifth continued. "That’s QB2 potential QB1 in the future Glad we drafted Ewers," said another. Another big test for both Ewers and Wilson will be during the Dolphins' three preseason games, as the coaching staff will get a much better look at how these two perform during live matchups. Luckily for both, though, being the backup is all they're truly fighting for, as Kyle Crabbs of A to Z Sports predicts that each will make the final 53-man roster, with cuts needing to be made by Aug. 27.

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