The Lions have exercised Eric Ebron‘s option for the 2018 season, according to a team announcement. As shown in PFR’s Fifth-Year Option Tracker, Ebron is now scheduled to earn $5.194MM in ’18. 
[RELATED: 2018 Fifth-Year Option Decision Tracker]
Detroit took its time making the call on the tight end and it wasn’t a given that he would get the additional season tacked on to his contract. Since entering the league in 2014, Ebron has struggled with drops (he had seven in 2016) and hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations set for him when he was selected No. 10 overall.
On the bright side, Ebron has been steadily improving as a receiver. The 24-year-old went from 25 catches as a rookie to 47 in 2015 to 61 in 2016. Last season, only nine tight ends had more receptions than Ebron. The Lions are hoping that he can take yet another step forward in 2017 while losing the Roberto Duran act.