The Seahawks have agreed to terms with free agent defensive end Cliff Avril that will bring the pass rusher to Seattle, according to NFL Network's Albert Breer. According to ESPN Seattle's Jessamyn McIntyre, Avril was signed to a two-year deal worth $15 million, per John Clayton.
Cliff Avril signs with Seahawks, per report
The Seahawks have continued their free agency war with the 49ers by signing Cliff Avril, arguably the best free agent pass rusher.
Avril made his NFL debut with the Detroit Lions, who used their third-round pick on him in the 2008 NFL draft. Avril played five years in Detroit, with the Lions locking him up for 2012 when they used their franchise tag on him. In his time with the team, Avril has made 168 tackles and 39.5 sacks from the defensive end position.
The Seahawks had the fourth-best defense in the league through the 2012 regular season, but struggled when it came to rushing the passer. Seattle only brought the opposing quarterback down 36 times, which tied them with the Bills for 18th place in the league. Avril's ability to rush the passer off the edge should boost the defense's overall production, especially their pass defense.
The Seahawks finished the 2012 season with an 11-5 record, winning a playoff spot as one of the NFC's Wild Card teams. They defeated the Redskins in the first round of the playoffs on the road and lost in the final seconds to the Falcons in Atlanta in the divisional round. As they're likely to compete with the 49ers for domination of the NFC West, signing Avril will go a long way to help.
The Seahawks have traded with the Minnesota Vikings to bring in wide receiver Percy Harvin for the 2013 season, as well.
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