Ben Roethlisberger Might Have Pulled Some Strings to Get Eric Ebron Signed
By Will Coleman
The Pittsburgh Steelers have added several major pieces this offseason, and none are more significant than newly-signed tight end Eric Ebron. The 26-year-old posted a career-high 13 touchdowns with the Colts in 2018 and will change the dynamic of Pittsburgh's offense next season.
The former Pro Bowler is looking for a fresh start with the Steelers and is excited to be catching passes from a healthy Ben Roethlisberger, who missed most of the 2019 season with a nasty elbow injury. Ebron had apparently been eager to team up with Big Ben, and it looks like the veteran quarterback might have played a part in bringing him to Pittsburgh.
New #Steelers TE @Ebron85 says his goal is to "be Big Ben's best friend." He met Roethlisberger at a conference hosted by the @NFLPA in January, he said they talked about the possibility of playing together then and he joked just now, "Maybe he pulled a string or two.”
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) April 2, 2020
At an NFL Player's Association gathering in January, Roethlisberger and Ebron struck up a conversation that ultimately led to them discussing the potential of playing together down the road. Two short months later and the tight end was set to join the Steelers on a two-year, $12 million contract.
Coincidence? We think not. Big Ben has been in Pittsburgh his entire pro career, and it's a safe bet to think he's got at least some influence in the team's front office. Ebron's plenty worthy of the contract and is bound to make an impact with the Steelers, but it's entirely possible that Roethlisberger vouched for the tight end ahead of free agency.
The newest member of the Black & Gold ?@Ebron85
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) March 31, 2020
(?: @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/4XeDcvrrgz
Whether or not Roethlisberger is behind the Ebron signing, all that matters is that he'll have the help of another experienced playmaker on offense starting next season.