Cliff Avril

Clifford Samuel Avril (twitter: @cliffavril)

Position: DE
Height: 6-3    Weight: 252 lbs.

Born: April 8, 1986 in Orange Park, FL
College: Purdue   (school history)    (Avril college stats)
Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 3rd round (92nd overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Weighted Career AV (100-95-...): 26 (3863rd overall since 1950)

Other SR Links: College Football at Sports-Reference.com

• 5/21 SideLion Report: Four Detroit Lions Franchise Records That Could Be Broken in 2013: The Detroit Lions’ superstars may be young but Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford are each within striking distance of...

• 4/30 FootballPerspective.com: Football Perspective’s Thoughts on the Jets Draft: Yesterday, I discussed some of my general reactions to the NFL Draft. Today, my thoughts on the Jets draft in particular. Round...
• 4/24 StoopSports.com: NFL Mock Draft: John San Filippo-  With the NFL Draft just a day away, fans around the country are having their final arguments about who their...
• 4/23 KC Kingdom: 2013 NFL Mock Draft: Arizona, San Diego Make Big Moves: Much like the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament from a month ago, the 2013 NFL Draft may be the most unpredictable draft...
• 4/22 The High Phive: Final 1st Round Mock Draft for 2013 NFL Draft: Below is my projection for the first round of the 2013 NFL draft. The order is dictated by team need as well as player talent,...
• 4/11 StoopSports.com: NFC West Draft Preview: Eric Goodheart-  Two years ago, the NFC West was unanimously considered the worst division in football as all four teams finished...
• 4/11 NFL Mocks: 2013 NFL Draft: Mock Draft 3.0: 1. Kansas City Chiefs — Eric Fisher OT, Central Michigan With the trade for Alex Smith and putting Branden Albert on the...
• 4/9 North and South of Royal Brougham: Brady Quinn a member of the Seahawks for now and for maybe a while: After the Seahawks came out swinging in free agency, signing Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett after already trading for Percy Harvin,...
• 4/6 FootballPerspective.com: From the gut: My thoughts on NFC teams: It’s April, so most of these points will probably look silly in 9 months, but the NFC should be the class of the NFL in...

• 3/29 SideLion Report: Dwight Freeney To The Lions Sounds Like a Better Idea Than It Likely Is: Reports of big names linking a player to a particular team is all it takes to set a fanbase ablaze. The latest example comes with...
• 3/25 SideLion Report: With Free Agency Wrapped Up, What Do The Detroit Lions Do With The Fifth Pick?: With free agency just about wrapped up fans and media have a little more clarity on where the Lions stand in terms of drafting...
• 3/23 StoopSports.com: Winners and Losers (Thus Far): Ollie Banton- Free agency is one of two marquee events during the NFL offseason, the other being April’s draft.  It poses as...
• 3/22 SideLion Report: The Detroit Lions and the Wide Nine: What Cliff Avril’s Departure Could Mean for 2013: With Cliff Avril and Kyle Vanden Bosch now former Detroit Lions, the team’s defensive ends were already guaranteed to look...
• 3/19 FootballPerspective.com: The youngest and oldest NFL teams in 2012: Last August, I looked at the 2011 age-adjusted team rosters. I have reproduced the intro to that post below: Measuring team age...
• 3/18 North and South of Royal Brougham: Seattle Seahawks Sign Cliff Avril: For the second time in less than a week the Seahawks have made a move that brought in a high profile player who was perceived...
• 3/18 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Making Good Moves But Still More To Be Done: Last season the Lions were one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL with injuries and lack of depth to blame for their lack...
• 3/18 FootballPerspective.com: How can teams best take advantage of the rookie salary cap?: [Special thanks goes out to my Footballguys.com co-writer Maurile Tremblay for his help in co-authoring this piece with me. Any...
• 3/17 Sports Out West: Seattle Seahawks release Ben Obomanu: The Seattle Seahawks have released wide receiver Ben Obomanu, according to Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun on Twitter. Obomanu,...
• 3/13 The Pewter Plank: What’s Next? A Look Ahead To The Rest of Free Agency for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: With Dashon Goldson and Jonathan Casillas in the fold, it’s time to look ahead and consider what else the Buccaneers will...
• 3/13 North and South of Royal Brougham: Seattle Seahawks Sign Cliff Avril: For the second time in less than a week the Seahawks have made a move that brought in a high profile player who was perceived...
• 3/12 StoopSports.com: NFC West Needs: Ryan Pavlicek and Ollie Banton- Last season the NFC West proved to be a rising division in the NFL. The San Francisco 49ers had...
• 3/11 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Showing Interest in Free Agent Defensive Ends: The Detroit Lions have a lot of playing time up for grabs at the defensive end position. Kyle Vanden Bosch has already been cut...
• 3/11 NFL Spin Zone: Tampa Bay Buccaneers not prioritizing Michael Bennett: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a couple of defensive lineman set to hit the free agent market tomorrow, and the biggest one is...
• 3/6 SideLion Report: NFL Free Agency Rumors: Cleveland Browns to Pursue Cliff Avril: The closer it gets to the start of free agency, the less likely it looks that Cliff Avril will be a member of the Detroit Lions...
• 3/5 SideLion Report: Hard To View Odds of Cliff Avril Returning to Detroit Lions As Anything But Slim: He was designated their franchise player just a year ago but now the Detroit Lions are content to let Cliff Avril test the free...
• 3/4 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Quiet at Franchise Tag Deadline: It comes as no surprise but the deadline to use the franchise tag has come and gone and the Detroit Lions have not placed the...

• 2/28 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Place Four in NFL.com List of Top 85 Free Agents: A new piece on NFL.com breaks down the top 85 free agents and four Detroit Lions make the list. Gregg Rosenthal offers his breakdown...
• 2/22 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Draft Prospects: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia: The Detroit Lions have 23 players set to hit the free agent market this offseason. Two of the 23 players are Lions’ starting...
• 2/19 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Review and Offseason Plan: Defensive Ends: Today we take a look at how the Detroit Lions defensive ends performed during the 2012 season with a little help from the fine...
• 2/18 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Free Agent Targets: Charles Woodson and Dwight Freeney: Great news Lions fans, Charles Woodson and Dwight Freeney are free agents and they just so happen to play two positions that the...
• 2/11 SideLion Report: Hiring the X-man Starts the Detroit Lions’ Offseason Off Right: That awful stench that was the Detroit Lions’ 2012 season is starting to fade away now that the playoffs are over. In the...
• 2/7 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Offseason: A Step-By-Step Guide To Success: The offseason is just beginning, but the Lions have already been one of the most active teams in the league releasing Titus Young...

• 1/30 SideLion Report: Reggie Bush Would Provide The Lions With A Perfect Replacement For Jahvid Best: Its no secret the Lions need to hit big this offseason if they hope to return to the playoffs. But with so many holes on the roster...
• 1/20 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril thinks he can play in 3-4: Detroit Lions impending free-agent DE Cliff Avril said he believes he can play in a 3-4 defensive alignment. 'Honestly, I can...[+] play in both systems,' Avril said. 'You know, I played linebacker in college. My senior year is when I pretty much moved to a full-time D-end, so I feel I can play both systems. Rushing is rushing. Either you're standing up or you're in a three-point (stance). Rushing the quarterback is the same thing to me, so I definitely feel I can do both.'
• 1/20 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril prefers to play on grass: Detroit Lions impending free-agent DE Cliff Avril said he would prefer to play on a grass field for whichever team he signs with...[+] this offseason because playing on turf affects a player's joints after a few years.
• 1/18 SideLion Report: The Detroit Lions Free Agent No One is Talking About: A total of 23 Detroit Lions are heading towards unrestricted free agency. When you think about the most important for the Lions...
• 1/16 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril would like to return: Detroit Lions impending free-agent DE Cliff Avril said he would like to re-sign with the team this offseason but is not sure how...[+] things will turn out when free agency begins.
• 1/15 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | No franchise tag for Cliff Avril: Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said he has no plans to use the franchise tag on DE Cliff Avril or any other player...[+] on the team this offseason. Avril's sack numbers declined this year for the first time in his five-year career, finishing with 9.5 sacks and two forced fumbles after setting a career high with 11 sacks and six forced fumbles last season.
• 1/15 SideLion Report: 5 Free Agents the Detroit Lions NEED to Re-Sign for 2013: There is no doubting that the 2013 version of the Detroit Lions, especially on defense is going to look far different from the...
• 1/15 SideLion Report: NFL Free Agency Schedule and Details Coming Into Focus: With over half their roster set to become free agents of one variety or another, the Detroit Lions are in for a busy offseason....
• 1/3 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Not Expected to Use Franchise Tag: The Detroit Lions have a lot of work to do but one of the strategies they are not expected to use this year is the franchise tag....

• 12/31 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Face a Number of Offseason Decisions: The Lions ended the season on an eight game losing streak. That’s the longest losing streak in the NFL and the longest losing...
• 12/28 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril wants to re-sign: Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril would like to re-sign with the team after he reportedly turned down a three-year, $30 million offer...[+] with $20 million guaranteed from the team.
• 12/27 SideLion Report: Franchise Tag Looks to be Expensive Strategy for Detroit Lions This Offseason: NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported today that the franchise tag numbers for 2013 have been tentatively set and they look to...
• 12/19 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Put Nick Fairley on IR: Nick Fairley was enjoying a break out season before a shoulder injury forced him to the sidelines. Now it has ended his season....
• 12/14 SideLion Report: Madden 13 Week 15 Roster Update: Joique Bell Keeps Rising: EA Sports has released their weekly roster update for Madden 13 and Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell gets another ratings...
• 12/8 SideLion Report: Madden 13 Week 14 Roster Update: Joique Bell Among Big Risers: The Week 14 roster update for Madden 13 is now available. Detroit Lions fans will notice a lot of changes. While the Lions’...
• 12/5 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril has stepped up lately Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril has recorded four sacks and two forced fumbles in his past three games....[+] Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril has recorded four sacks and two forced fumbles in his past three games.
• 12/2 SideLion Report: Colts vs. Lions: Five Things to Watch: The Detroit Lions may be enduring a disappointing season but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few things fans should...

• 11/29 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Injury Update: Backus, Delmas, Leshoure Return to Practice: No player is truly healthy at this point in an NFL season. That being said, today’s injury report released by the Detroit...
• 11/28 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Release Initial Week 13 Injury Report: The Detroit Lions had some time away from the normal grind following their Thanksgiving Day game against the Texans but got back...
• 11/28 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril not practicing Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril (knee) is not taking part in practice Wednesday, Nov. 28....[+] Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril (knee) is not taking part in practice Wednesday, Nov. 28.
• 11/27 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions: To Sign or Re-Sign Safety Louis Delmas?: I think most Lions fans have just about had it with the availability (or lack thereof) of safety Louis Delmas. On Thanksgiving,...
• 11/23 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril racking up the sacks: Detroit Lions DL Cliff Avril picked up two more sacks in Week 12 against the Houston Texans Thursday, Nov. 22, giving him a team-best...[+] 7.5 sacks this season. He also forced a fumble in the solid performance.
• 11/23 SideLion Report: Madden 13 Week 12 Roster Update: Nick Fairley Keeps Rising: EA Sports recently released their week 12 update for Madden 13 and once again most of the adjustments concerning Detroit Lions...
• 11/20 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Injury Report: Louis Delmas Returns to Practice: Is this the week Louis Delmas returns for the Detroit Lions? The thin secondary could definitely use it and Delmas has cleared...
• 11/18 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Rule Out Amari Spievey and Corey Williams: Amari Spievey (concussion) and Corey Williams (knee) did not practice all week and have been ruled out of Sunday’s game...
• 11/15 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Injuries: Cliff Avril and Calvin Johnson Return to Practice: After some confusion yesterday regarding whether or not Cliff Avril had been cleared following the concussion he suffered in last...
• 11/15 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril back at practice Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril (concussion) returned to practice Thursday, Nov. 15....[+] Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril (concussion) returned to practice Thursday, Nov. 15.
• 11/14 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Release Initial Injury Report for Week 11: The Detroit Lions returned to the practice field today to begin their on-field preparations for the Green Bay Packers. However,...
• 11/14 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril cleared for contact: Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril (concussion, back) was cleared for contact after suffering a concussion in Week 10. Avril did not...[+] participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 14, due to a back issue.
• 11/13 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Optimistic on Cliff Avril: Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril (concussion) has not been cleared to return after suffering a concussion in Week 10, but the team...[+] is optimistic that he'll be able to play against the Green Bay Packers in Week 11.
• 11/12 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril injury update: Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said DE Cliff Avril (concussion) was much improved after the team’s Week 10 game, more...[+] so than a lot of the concussions situations team doctors have treated.
• 11/11 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril suffers concussion : Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril (concussion) has been diagnosed with a concussion and will not return...[+] to the team's Week 10 game.
• 11/11 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril injured Week 10 Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril (head) left the game early Week 10 and is being evaluated for a possible concussion....[+] Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril (head) left the game early Week 10 and is being evaluated for a possible concussion.
• 11/9 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Release Final Week 10 Injury Report: The Detroit Lions have finished with their preparations for the Minnesota Vikings today and released their final injury report...
• 11/8 SideLion Report: Madden 13 Week 10 Roster Update: Young Lions on the Rise: The weekly roster update for Madden 13 has been released and it turns out to be another good one as far as our virtual Detroit...
• 11/7 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Get DeAndre Levy Back at Practice, Others Remain Out: The Detroit Lions got back to work today as they turn their attention to the Minnesota Vikings. The good news is that DeAndre...
• 11/2 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions to be Without Louis Delmas Against Jaguars: The return of Louis Delmas to the Detroit Lions defense has paid dividends so far. He brings a level of energy that was notably...
• 11/2 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Two sit, one returns: Detroit Lions FS Louis Delmas (knee) and S Amari Spievey (concussion) missed practice Friday, Nov. 2. DE Cliff Avril (back) returned...[+] to practice.
• 11/1 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Three miss practice: Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril (back), S Louis Delmas (knee) and S Amari Spievey (concussion) did not practice Thursday, Nov. 1....[+]
• 11/1 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Three missing practice Thursday : Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril (back), FS Louis Delmas (knee) and SS Amari Spievey (concussion) are not practicing Thursday, Nov....[+] 1.

• 10/31 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Without Many Regulars at Practice Today: The list of players that missed practice today for the Detroit Lions reads a lot more like a starting lineup. Calvin Johnson,...
• 10/26 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Three questionable for Week 8: Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril (back) and CB Bill Bentley (shoulder) were both limited in practice Friday, Oct. 26, and are questionable...[+] for the team’s Week 8 game. S Louis Delmas (knee) did not participate in practice and is questionable.
• 10/25 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Four miss practice : Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril (back), CB Jacob Lacey (concussion), LB DeAndre Levy (hamstring) and S Amari Spievey (concussion)...[+] did not practice Thursday, Oct. 25.
• 10/19 The NFL Injury Report: Lions Injury Report: Bill Bentley, Titus Young, Brandon Pettigrew: The Detroit Lions could be without both of their starting cornerbacks during their Monday night matchup with the Chicago...
• 10/18 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions Release Initial Injury Report for Week 7: The Detroit Lions started their week of practice yesterday but weren’t required to release an injury report because they...
• 10/13 The NFL Injury Report: Lions Injury Report: Titus Young, Brandon Pettigrew, Louis Delmas: The Detroit Lions only have one player that has been confirmed out for Sunday’s matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles,...
• 10/12 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Three defensive players questionable: Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril (back), DT Sammie Hill (toe) and FS Louis Delmas (knee) are listed as questionable for Week 6. Delmas...[+] did not participate in practice Friday, Oct. 12, while Avril fully participated and Hill was limited.
• 10/1 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril not expected to miss much timeDetroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said DL Cliff Avril’s (back) injury does not appear to be a long-term issue....[+] Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said DL Cliff Avril’s (back) injury does not appear to be a long-term issue.
• 10/1 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril injury update An MRI on Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril's (back) injured back suffered in Week 4 showed nothing serious....[+] An MRI on Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril's (back) injured back suffered in Week 4 showed nothing serious.

• 9/30 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril limps off in Week 4: Detroit Lions DL Cliff Avril (leg) left the Week 4 game against the Minnesota Vikings due to a right leg injury. He left under...[+] his own power, and received treatment on the sidelines.
• 9/30 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril injures back: Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril (back) left the game early Week 4 because of a back injury and is considered questionable to return....[+]

• 8/11 SideLion Report: Rapid Reactions From Detroit Lions’ Preseason Opener: The Detroit Lions have experienced great success in terms of winning preseason games in recent years but their quest for another...
• 8/10 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | 10 players ruled out of preseason: Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said DE Cliff Avril, RB Jahvid Best (concussion), WR Ryan Broyles (knee), FS Don Carey (undisclosed),...[+] FS Louis Delmas (knee), CB Chris Greenwood (abdomen), RB Mikel Leshoure (hamstring), DT Sammie Hill (back), OT Jonathan Scott (knee) and DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (knee) have been ruled out for the preseason game Friday, Aug. 10.
• 8/5 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril signs tender: Detroit Lions franchise free-agent DE Cliff Avril has signed his one-year tender offer and is expected to participate in practice...[+] Sunday, Aug. 5. Avril will make $10.6 million this season under the tender.
• 8/5 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril does not expect to play in preseason game: Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril said he does not expect to play in the first preseason game Friday, Aug. 10, but the final decision...[+] will be made by head coach Jim Schwartz.

• 7/19 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril does not want to risk injury : Detroit Lions franchise free-agent DL Cliff Avril said he is likely to skip the start of training camp. 'Probably won’t be there...[+] the first day, that’s for sure,' Avril said. 'I have to sit down with my agent and figure out when’s a good time, if we’re even gonna show up.' Believing he lacks long-term financial security, Avril added he fears injury and skipping some or all of camp would be a business decision. 'This is probably one of the only times in your career that you’ll ever get a chance to, you know, opt out (and say) I’m not going to camp or whatnot,' Avril said. 'But it also goes into with injuries and stuff like that. You know, you don’t want to get hurt.'
• 7/19 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril won't report to camp: Detroit Lions DL Cliff Avril said he doesn't plan on reporting to the team's training camp next week as he waits for a long-term...[+] contract extension. Avril was tagged as the team's franchise player in March.
• 7/17 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril not mad with lack of new deal: Detroit Lions DL Cliff Avril isn't upset that he wasn't able to reach a new deal with the team before the deadline Monday, July...[+] 16. 'I'm not mad,' Avril said. 'Business is business. You can't take it personal.' He will play under the franchise tag this year with a $10.6 million deal.
• 7/16 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Fail to agree on deal with Cliff Avril: Updating previous reports, the Detroit Lions were not able to agree to a long-term contract with franchise free-agent DE Cliff...[+] Avril before the deadline.
• 7/16 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Unsure if Cliff Avril will report to camp on time: The Detroit Lions are not sure if franchise free-agent DE Cliff Avril will sign his tender offer in time to report to training...[+] camp Thursday, July 26.
• 7/16 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Could use franchise tag on Cliff Avril next year: The Detroit Lions may use the franchise tag on DE Cliff Avril again next offseason if they are not able to reach an agreement...[+] on a long-term contract.
• 7/16 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Talks break off with Cliff Avril: The Detroit Lions’ contract negotiations with franchise free-agent DE Cliff Avril have broken off and the two sides likely will...[+] not agree to a long-term contract before the deadline.
• 7/14 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril not getting good vibe in contract talks: Detroit Lions franchise free-agent DE Cliff Avril said he is still hopeful of getting a long-term contract at this point but is...[+] starting to get worried. '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.'
• 7/13 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Still talking with Cliff Avril: Brian Mackler, agent for Detroit Lions franchise free-agent DE Cliff Avril, said he is still talking with the Lions about a long-term...[+] deal for Arvil and is not ruling out an agreement before the deadline.
• 7/11 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril optimistic deal can be reached: Detroit Lions DL Cliff Avril said during a radio interview Tuesday, July 10, that he is 'very optimistic' he'll get a long-term...[+] deal done before the deadline Monday, July 16, at 4 p.m. ET.
• 7/8 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Talks continue with Cliff Avril: The Detroit Lions and representatives for DL Cliff Avril continue to talk about a long-term contract, but he is working out on...[+] his own. Avril wants to be in training camp later this month. He has until July 16 to sign a tender with the Lions or sit out the season. He is expected to sign the tender because he wants to play. 'I hope not but you never know,' Avril said. 'This is my first go-round. I am just waiting on the call saying I am coming back to work.'

• 6/28 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril says arrests do not reflect team : Detroit Lions franchise free-agent DL Cliff Avril said it is unfair to label the team as troublemakers despite an offseason marred...[+] by off-field trouble. 'You can't label us by a few young guys getting in trouble,' Avril said. 'You can't put that on the other 53 guys on the roster. That makes no sense. Obviously they are part of the team, but I don't think it's correct to put that on the other 53 guys who are on the roster.'
• 6/20 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril says negotiations ongoing: Detroit Lions DL Cliff Avril said Tuesday, June 19, that contract talks are still ongoing, and that he would 'prefer not to play...[+] under the franchise tag.' Avril also continued to sidestep questions about whether he will hold out from training camp or the season if he doesn't get a long-term deal by the July 16 deadline. 'But we have a lot of time in front of us,' Avril said. 'I think the deadline is July 16, and hopefully we get something figured out before then. I haven't really thought past that point.'
• 6/12 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril to skip camp: Detroit Lions franchise free-agent DE Cliff Avril said he will not attend the team's mandatory minicamp this week. He hasn't drawn...[+] much interest from other teams due to his franchise tag. He hasn't thought about holding out when training camp starts at the end of July, though.
• 6/11 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril willing to play on franchise tender: Detroit Lions franchise free-agent DE Cliff Avril said he will be willing to play on his one-year, $10.6 million tender this season...[+] if the two sides are not able to reach a long-term agreement this offseason.
• 6/9 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril hopes to report to camp on time: Detroit Lions franchise free-agent LB Cliff Avril said he expects things to work out in his contract talks and hopes to report...[+] to training camp on time. He said he is not upset about the lack of a long-term contract because he understands it is a business.
• 6/9 FanSided: Detroit Lions and Cliff Avril Don't Appear on Verge of Agreeing to Deal: [caption id="attachment_15161" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Dec 11, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback...
• 6/7 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Contract ball in Cliff Avril's court : Detroit Lions franchise free-agent DL Cliff Avril still has not signed his $10.605 million franchise tender and has skipped the...[+] team's voluntary workout program. Lions president Tom Lewand said 'the ball's in (Avril's) court' as far as an extension. Lewand declined to say whether there’s been movement on the contract talks recently.
• 6/6 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril not expected to minicampDetroit Lions franchise free-agent DE Cliff Avril is not expected to participate in the team’s upcoming minicamp....[+] Detroit Lions franchise free-agent DE Cliff Avril is not expected to participate in the team’s upcoming minicamp.

• 5/31 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Still talking with Cliff Avril : The Detroit Lions continue to talk with franchise free-agent DL Cliff Avril about a multiyear deal, even though negotiations have...[+] not gone well thus far. 'We've had conversations and we continue to have dialogue,' team president Tom Lewand said. 'We'll leave the dialogue open. I talked to (Avril's agent) Brian (Mackler) recently, and we have an ongoing dialogue. We've said all along, we'd like Cliff to be here. We've made some very substantial offers to him. We haven't been able to work a deal out. We'll continue to talk with an eye toward getting something done.'
• 5/24 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Money an issue in Cliff Avril talks : The Detroit Lions and franchise free-agent DL Cliff Avril are not near reaching a deal. In fact, the sides are separated by roughly...[+] $2 million per year on Avril's worth, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. The player's side is looking for something with a yearly average exceeding the $10,605 million attached to the tender, over four years, which would top $42 million, with more than half of it guaranteed.
• 5/6 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | No progress in talks with Cliff AvrilThe Detroit Lions have not made any progress in contract extension talks with franchise free-agent DE Cliff Avril....[+] The Detroit Lions have not made any progress in contract extension talks with franchise free-agent DE Cliff Avril.

• 4/12 BearsHistory.com Blog: 2012 NFL Free Agency: Been…so…busy that boom-just realized the 2012 NFL free agent signing period is just four short days away. At midnight...
• 4/11 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril can take part in workouts if waiver signed: Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand said franchise free-agent DE Cliff Avril could participate in offseason workouts if he is willing...[+] to sign an injury waiver that would protect the team.
• 4/9 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | No movement in talks with Cliff Avril: The Detroit Lions have not made much progress in long-term contract talks with franchise free-agent DE Cliff Avril. Avril does...[+] not have plans to sign his tender offer but will be in town when offseason workouts begin in case an agreement is reached.

• 3/26 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Still working on signing Cliff Avril to long-term deal: Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand said the team has been working on trying to sign franchise free-agent DE Cliff Avril to a long-term...[+] contract but they have also been working on other things this offseason. Avril is not expected to sign his franchise tender before the start of offseason workouts and may miss the team’s minicamp.
• 3/19 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | No long-term deal for Cliff Avril? : The Detroit Lions remain far apart in negotiations with franchise free-agent DL Cliff Avril, and as of now, the odds of locking...[+] up Avril long-term this offseason are very slim.
• 3/5 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril happy with tag but wants long-term deal: Detroit Lions franchise free-agent DE Cliff Avril said he is fortunate to receive the franchise tag but hopes to receive a long-term...[+] contract from the team in the near future. The two sides will have until July 15 to agree on a long-term deal.
• 3/5 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril could be franchised Monday: The Detroit Lions would prefer to sign DE Cliff Avril to a long-term deal over using their franchise tag on him, but the Lions...[+] may still be forced to tag Avril as their franchise player before the Monday, March 5, deadline. The one-year deal is worth about $10.6 million, but the Lions would rather tag Avril than play without him in 2012. He set career-highs with six forced fumbles and 11 sacks last season.
• 3/5 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril receives franchise tag The Detroit Lions have placed the franchise tag on impending free-agent DL Cliff Avril, according to a league source....[+] The Detroit Lions have placed the franchise tag on impending free-agent DL Cliff Avril, according to a league source.
• 3/5 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | To resume contract talks with Cliff Avril : Detroit Lions’ officials spent most of the day Sunday, March 4, in negotiations with impending free-agent DL Cliff Avril's agent...[+] in hopes of finalizing a long-term deal. Talks are expected to resume Monday, March 5, prior to the deadline.
• 3/5 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Spent day talking contract with Cliff Avril: The Detroit Lions have reportedly been in talks with the agent for impending free-agent DL Cliff Avril most of the day Sunday,...[+] March 4.

• 2/25 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Would like to avoid franchising Cliff Avril: Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said the team would like to re-sign impending free-agent DE Cliff Avril to a long-term...[+] extension and would like to avoid placing the franchise tag on him.
• 2/21 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril could hold out: Detroit Lions impending free-agent DL Cliff Avril said he will think about holding out of the offseason workout program if the...[+] team puts the franchise tag on him. 'I don't want to be franchised,' Avril said. 'That's basically what I got last year. The (restricted free-agent) tender was basically the same thing. I just want security and longevity.'
• 2/20 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: NFL | Teams showing interest in Cliff Avril?: Detroit Lions impending free-agent DL Cliff Avril said there are coaches from other teams who would love to have him. 'I know...[+] a lot of guys I’ve played with … (said that) coaches have (said), 'Dang, (Avril) can play, wouldn’t mind having him.''
• 2/18 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Franchise tag could hurt Cliff Avril negotiations: Detroit Lions impending free-agent DE Cliff Avril’s agent said contract negotiations with the Lions are going slowly and the...[+] negotiations could worsen if they place the franchise tag on Avril.
• 2/18 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Franchise tag may affect Cliff Avril’s camp attendance: Detroit Lions impending free-agent DE Cliff Avril said receiving the franchise tag this offseason could result in a holdout during...[+] training camp.
• 2/18 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Franchise tag move for Cliff Avril will be expensive: If the Detroit Lions ends up using the franchise tag on DL Cliff Avril, it will have a price tag of $10.6 million. Between Avril,...[+] WR Calvin Johnson, QB Matthew Stafford and DL Ndamukong Suh, the four players would cost up to $61.624, according to league sources with knowledge of the situation.
• 2/18 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Likely to use franchise tag on Cliff Avril: The Detroit Lions do not want to lose impending free-agent DL Cliff Avril, and they are prepared to use the franchise tag to keep...[+] him off the open market. Two people familiar with the negotiations said that's the likely outcome if Avril and the team cannot agree on a long-term deal before March 5. Avril said earlier in the month that he does not want to be tagged, and would prefer to sign a long-term deal.
• 2/17 SideLion Report: Cliff Avril Not Offering Hometown Discount to the Detroit Lions: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE Cliff Avril has a huge payday looming, there is no doubt about that.  What remains in doubt is whether...
• 2/17 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | No hometown discount for Cliff Avril : Detroit Lions impending free-agent DL Cliff Avril said he will not take a hometown discount to remain with the team. 'There's...[+] no such thing as a hometown discount in the NFL,' Avril said. 'Once you can't play anymore, they're going to let you go, so you definitely have to strike gold when you can.'
• 2/14 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Not expected to be aggressive in free agency: Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand said he doesn't anticipate the team making aggressive free-agent moves this offseason. The...[+] team is still trying to work out deals with DL Cliff Avril, OT Jeff Backus (biceps), LB Stephen Tulloch, CB Eric Wright and WR Calvin Johnson. Backus is reportedly recovering well from biceps surgery and is expected to be ready for training camp.
• 2/1 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril wants no part of franchise tag: Detroit Lions impending free-agent DL Cliff Avril said he does not want the team to place the franchise tag on him this offseason....[+] 'I definitely don't want to be franchised,' Avril said. 'I mean, I've been in Detroit for four years, and I wouldn't mind being there for another couple more years or whatnot. The franchise tag kind of makes it a yearly thing, and you want security. You want to know you're going to be there for a couple years so your family can get comfortable.' The Lions aren't prepared to use the tag on Avril, though, according to general manager Martin Mayhew.

• 1/24 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril willing to switch positions: Detroit Lions impending free-agent DL Cliff Avril said he is willing to make the move to linebacker in order to stay with the...[+] team next year. He started 12 games at strongside linebacker in college. However, it's unlike the Lions use him as a full-time linebacker if he re-signs.
• 1/13 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril unlikely to get franchise tag : Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said he has no plans on using the franchise tag on impending free-agent DL Cliff Avril...[+] for now but acknowledged that could change. A person familiar with the negotiations said a new deal could be done before Avril hits the open market.
• 1/10 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril wants to get paid : Detroit Lions impending free-agent DL Cliff Avril said he would like to re-sign with the team; however, he added that he is looking...[+] for the best possible deal as well. 'It's all about if they want me to be here,' Avril said. 'I definitely want to be here, but I have to do the right thing for me and my family also. This doesn't roll around that often as far as trying to set yourself up and your family for the future, so it definitely has a lot to do with that.'
• 1/10 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril expected to receive franchise tag : The Detroit Lions will likely place the franchise tag on impending free-agent DL Cliff Avril, which will bump his salary up to...[+] around $10 million. However, Avril would prefer a long-term deal.
• 1/8 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril would like to return: Detroit Lions impending free-agent DE Cliff Avril said he would like to re-sign with the Lions but it is up to the team if they...[+] want him to sign him.
• 1/5 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Three practiceDetroit Lions DLs Cliff Avril (back), Corey Williams (hip) and Willie Young (ankle) practiced in full Thursday, Jan. 5....[+] Detroit Lions DLs Cliff Avril (back), Corey Williams (hip) and Willie Young (ankle) practiced in full Thursday, Jan. 5.
• 1/4 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Three practiceDetroit Lions DLs Cliff Avril (back), Corey Williams (hip) and Willie Young (ankle) practiced in full Wednesday, Jan. 4....[+] Detroit Lions DLs Cliff Avril (back), Corey Williams (hip) and Willie Young (ankle) practiced in full Wednesday, Jan. 4.

• 12/31 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril perfect for hybrid DE position: Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said Friday, Dec. 30, that DL Cliff Avril (back) is prototypical for the position because...[+] he has good speed and builds his power with speed, which makes him a terrific pass rusher. Avril's sack totals have increased in each of the past three seasons. 'Cliff has taken steps each year along his career - No. 1 from productivity, but No. 2, just rounding out his game,' Schwartz said. 'He's played the run very well this year, you know, that's something that he had been working on the last couple years, and he's a complete player.'
• 12/29 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril practicesDetroit Lions DL Cliff Avril (back) practiced in full Thursday, Dec. 29....[+] Detroit Lions DL Cliff Avril (back) practiced in full Thursday, Dec. 29.
• 12/25 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Cliff Avril nicked in Week 16Detroit Lions DL Cliff Avril (hip) suffered an apparent hip injury in Week 16 against the San Diego Chargers....[+] Detroit Lions DL Cliff Avril (hip) suffered an apparent hip injury in Week 16 against the San Diego Chargers.
• 12/24 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions|Pair fined $15,000 apiece: Detroit Lions DL Cliff Avril and LB Stephen Tulloch were each fined $15,000 by the National Football League for horse collar tackles...[+] in Week 15 against the Oakland Raiders.
• 12/8 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Ndamukong Suh in good spirits : Detroit Lions DL Cliff Avril said DL Ndamukong Suh is in good spirits following his highly publicized car accident. Avril said...[+] Suh is looking forward to rejoining the team after he serves the final game of his two-game suspension. 'He's doing fine,' Avril said. 'We didn't talk about any of the things you think we talked about, that's for sure. I mean, that's my guy, we're friends. So I was just checking to see how he was doing, see what he's up to. But we didn't necessarily go into details about anything as far as what y'all want me to talk about.'

• 11/3 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Have not opened talks with Cliff Avril: The Detroit Lions have not started serious negotiations with DL Cliff Avril on a long-term contract extension. Avril is scheduled...[+] to become a free agent after the season. He is tied for the team lead in sacks (five) and forced fumbles (three). Avril would like to remain with the Lions.

• 10/24 SideLion Report: Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver Roddy White is a Liar: I’m sure we’ll eventually get through a Detroit Lions game controversy-free but that won’t be this week. For...

• 4/12 SideLion Report: Detroit Lions NFL Draft Countdown: 16 Days: Join us each day as we count down towards the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. The countdown runs from 50 to zero and the number...

• 3/15 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Several teammates work out together: Detroit Lions DL Kyle Vanden Bosch, DL Cliff Avril, OL Don Muhlbach, OL Dominic Raiola, OL Rob Sims and OL Stephen Peterman worked...[+] out together during an hour-long session Monday, March 14, according to NFL.com. Vanden Bosch set up the gym so that his teammates could work out together during the lockout.
• 3/1 KFFL.com Hot off the Wire: Lions | Place highest tender on Cliff Avril: The Detroit Lions have placed a first-round and third-round tender on impending free agent DE Cliff Avril, according to ESPN's...[+] Adam Schefter.

• 1/24 SideLion Report: Grading the Detroit Lions: Defensive Line: This post is part of a series of posts in which I review the Lions position groups based on their play in the 2010 season. I assign...
• 1/11 SideLion Report: A move the Detroit Lions need to make: There are multiple reasons to be excited when looking ahead to the 2011 season for the Detroit Lions.  There is a massive hurdle...

A Sports Reference Site: About PFR | Found a bug or have a suggestion?
Privacy Statement | Conditions & Terms of Service | Use of Data

Partner With: FantasyPlayers.com.

Partner of USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties.