Cliff Avril's struggle to get a new long-term contract from the Detroit Lions before a Monday deadline continues, and Avril is "hopeful" that a deal is in the works, but far from certain, he told the Detroit Free Press.
Cliff Avril ‘Hopeful’ But Not Certain Long-Term Deal Is Coming
“I’m hopeful, but I don’t know,” Avril told the Free Press. “I’m not getting a good vibe, let’s put it that way. But I’m hopeful.”
The Lions slapped Avril, a defensive end who plays on the same line as consecutive first-round NFL Draft picks Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, with their franchise tag in April, giving them until 4 p.m. Monday to reach a new long-term deal or force Avril to play on a one-year contract worth $10.6 million. Avril has previously said that he will play on that tender without a long-term deal, but he and his agent have stated their preference for a longer commitment.
Avril started all 16 games and had 11 sacks for the Lions in 2011 and has notched 30 sacks in his four NFL seasons.
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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