In an interview with the Detroit Free Press, Lions’ unsigned franchise player Cliff Avril admits he’s “not getting a good vibe” from the Lions, in terms of getting a long term deal done ahead of Monday’s 4 PM ET deadline. This is more in line with what’s been reported about the talks, or lack thereof between the Lions and Avril. The Lions have remained very mum on the situation and several reporters, including recently the Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett, have not been optimistic, with Birkett specifically saying he “wouldn’t hold his breath.”

Avril would make 10.6 million this year under the franchise tag so, while Avril says he doesn’t know what he’ll do if he goes unsigned, it would make a lot of sense for him to sign the tender, especially since he won’t be able to sign a long term deal after the deadline anyway. 10.6 million is a very good chunk of change. The Lions are just hesitant about committing that kind of money to him long term because he doesn’t play the run very well. As a pass rusher, he’s one of the best in the business though, 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.

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