Lions Rumored to Sign Luke Willson to Contract After Releasing Eric Ebron

The Detroit Lions have reportedly signed tight end Luke Willson to a one-year, $2.5 million contract that includes additional incentives, according to NFL insider Adam Caplan. 

The move comes a week after the team released tight end Eric Ebron, shaving his $8.25 million salary off its books.

Willson, 28, caught 15 passes for 153 yards and four touchdowns for the Seattle Seahawks last season. He started seven of 16 games, serving primarily as Jimmy Graham's backup. He received a grade of 48.2 from Pro Football Focus for the 2017 season, 43rd among tight ends.

In his five-year career, all with the Seahawks, the fifth-round pick notched 89 receptions for 1,129 yards and 11 scores.

The Canada native tweeted a farewell to Seattle on Tuesday: 

While Willson represents an upgrade as a run-blocker over Ebron, he isn't as dynamic in the passing game. He'll compete for playing time with Michael Roberts for playing time, though the Lions could also seek to add another tight end in free agency or the draft.