With 6 days to go until the deadline for franchise players to sign long term deals, Cliff Avril is one of several players who could get a long term contract this offseason. Talks between Avril and the Lions have been ongoing through the offseason and have been hot and cold, but Avril says he’s “very optimistic” about getting a deal done ahead of the deadline. This was on the same day that Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press said that he “wouldn’t hold his breath” on the two sides coming to an agreement.

Set to make 10.6 million under the franchise tag this year, Avril is one of the best pass rushers in the league with 12 sacks, 9 quarterback hits, and 41 quarterback pressures last year (including playoffs). That’s good for a sack/pressure/hit on 11.5% of all pass rush snaps. He struggles against the run and was penalized 12 times, but this is a passing league and he’s one of the best at getting to the quarterback. He’ll be paid among the best defensive ends in the league, upwards of 10 million per, somewhere. That just might not be in Detroit and he may have to wait a year. In the mean time, he’ll make good money this year.

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]

[switch_ad_hub]