Detroit Lions Franchise DE Cliff Avril

Written by  //  March 5, 2012  //  News, NFL, Videos  //  2 Comments

DETROIT, March 5- The Lions have applied the franchise tag to DE Cliff Avril, according to their website. The term of the tag is “non-exclusive.”

A third round draft pick in 2008, Avril closed out the 2011-2012 campaign with six forced fumbles and eleven sacks.

Avril’s standout stability last season was especially needed as DT Ndamukong Suh dealt with a rash of both on field and off-the-field issues. Another member of the Lions rookie draft pick Nick Fairley spent a large chunk of time battling injuries

Both the Lions and Avril were said to be at the negotiating table but could not hammer out a deal before today’s 4 p.m. deadline to franchise players.

With the non-exclusive tag, Avril may talk to other teams but the Lions have the right to match any offer that is put on the table for him.  If this situation stands, the Lions will dole Avril $10.6 million next season.

Now the Lions are set to worry about a plethora of FA concerns such as LB Stephen Tulloch who became infamous last year for his “Tebowing” over Tim Tebow.

 

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Adrian Glover is Players View's Editor-In-Chief. He has spent his days as a newspaper columnist,magazine editor, freelance writer and as somebody's father. Follow him on Twitter at @playersview. Email him:adriangregoryglover@gmail.com

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  • http://criticalwitpodcast.com Chris Lindsay

    I’m still stunned Avril didn’t crack your Top 10 available defensive ends.

    http://www.playersview.net/nfl-free-agency-top-10-available-defensive-ends/

    I’d really bust your chops about this, but you’re a friend of Undercover Steve and were fantastic on his internet radio show.

    • http://www.playersview.net Hurricane-PV

      Hey Chris,
      Thanks for your feedback. Avril had a great year last year there is no doubt. The Lions d-line as a whole should bounce back strong. Thanks man.

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