The Detroit Lions were going to do everything they could to retain defensive end Cliff Avril for the 2012 season. Avril was set to become an unrestricted agent and was eager to test the waters of the open market. The Lions, for their part, were hoping to be able to work out a contract extension prior to Monday's deadline date for applying a franchise tag to a player. Now, it seems as though Avril will be tagged to keep him in Detroit for the next year.
Cliff Avril’s Franchise Tag From Lions Is Coming Soon
Bill Hanstock is a writer, author and Emmy Award-winning producer. He began writing for SB Nation in 2011.
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Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times reported on Friday that unless a contract breakthrough occurs over the weekend, the Lions plan to place the franchise tag on Avril on Monday. The tag for Avril would carry with it a $10.6 million salary. The Lions would have the 2012 offseason to attempt to negotiate a contract extension with their star DE.
For more on the Lions offseason, head over to the SB Nation blog Pride Of Detroit or visit SB Nation Detroit.
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