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Detroit Lions sign tight end Luke Willson to 1-year deal

Luke Willson, who essentially replaces Eric Ebron on the Lions, is a Windsor native.
Credit: Elaine Thompson AP
Seattle Seahawks tight end Luke Willson (82) celebrates after catching a 25-yard touchdown pass against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game in Seattle, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015.

The Detroit Lions have found a replacement for Eric Ebron.

The Lions agreed to terms Wednesday on a one-year contract with veteran tight end and Windsor native Luke Willson. NFL insider Adam Caplan first reported the signing.

Last week, the Lions released Eric Ebron in a cost-cutting move that saved them $8.25 million in salary but left them with only Michael Roberts, Hakeem Valles and Brandon Barnes on the roster at tight end. Of that group, only Roberts, a fourth-round pick out of Toledo last year, has an NFL reception.

According to Caplan, Willson will make up to $2.5 million this year.

The Lions hosted three other veteran tight ends on recent free-agent visits and told at least one of them that they planned to both sign a veteran in free agency and add a rookie tight end in the draft.

Willson has 89 catches for 1,129 yards and 21 touchdowns in his career. He posted a good-bye message to Seattle fans on Instagram late Tuesday night.

"As my time in Seattle comes to end and I reflect on the past 5 years, I am filled with gratitude. All I can say is thank you," Willson wrote in part. "Pete Carroll and John Schiender thank you guys for believing in a Canadian kid from Rice university."

Contact Dave Birkett: dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

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