Seattle Seahawks
Cliff Avril - #56 - DE
| Status | Active |
| Height/Weight | 6' 3"/ 260 lbs. |
| Birthday | 04/08/1986 |
| Birthplace | Orange Park, FL |
| College | Purdue |
| Years played | 6 |
| Drafted | 2008, 3rd round, 29th pick by Lions |
NFC West Spin cycle: Cards, Seahawks going in opposite directions
In a week in which two NFC West teams were on bye, the Seahawks moved above the .500 mark and the Cardinals continued to flounder.
Lynch runs Seahawks past Vikings
Marshawn Lynch ran for 124 yards and a touchdown and the Seahawks overcame 182 yards rushing by Adrian Peterson in a 30-20 win over the Vikings.
Thursday's 60-second rant: NFC West defenses bending and breaking bad
PFW executive editor Dan Arkush reflects on the sudden vulnerability of the defenses in St. Louis, Seattle and Arizona.
Key matchup: Seahawks WR Sidney Rice vs. Vikings secondary
The Seahawks' passing game is starting to heat up just as the Vikings' pass defense has taken a step back. Here's a look at one key matchup.
Bucs claim CB Gorrer
The Buccaneers claimed CB Danny Gorrer off waivers from the Seahawks on Wednesday.
Seahawks place WR Obomanu on injured reserve
The Seahawks placed WR Ben Obomanu on injured reserve with a wrist injury and promoted WR Jermaine Kearse.
Key matchup: DE Jared Allen vs. OLT Russell Okung
PFW’s Dan Arkush focuses on Vikings DRE Jared Allen vs. Seahawks OLT Russell Okung in the Vikings-Seahawks game Sunday in Seattle.
NFC West Spin cycle: 49ers head into bye sitting pretty
Both the Rams and the Seahawks had Sundays they'd like to forget after losses to the Patriots and Lions, respectively.
Lions rally to beat Seahawks behind late Stafford TD
Matthew Stafford threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Titus Young with 20 seconds left, lifting the Lions to a 28-24 win over the Seahawks.
Key matchup: Seahawks special teams vs. Lions special teams
Can the Lions win the battle in the kicking game against Seattle on Sunday? It's no small story line in an interesting NFC matchup.
Seahawks' top pick Irvin no longer considered a reach
First-round rookie DE Bruce Irvin has wasted no time winning over the critics in Seahawks Nation that accused him of being a 'one trick pony.'
NFC West Spin cycle: Cardinals continue to stumble
Storm clouds are hovering over the Cardinals, who dropped their third game in a row and showed no signs of turning things around in Minnesota.
NFL Links: Chicago a nightmare for Stafford
Chicago hasn't been kind to Matthew Stafford, the Seahawks can't outmuscle the 49ers and the pressure on Andrew Luck will help his future.
Gore helps Niners grind out win over Seahawks
Frank Gore ran for 116 yards and the 49ers held off the Seahawks 13-6 on Thursday night as the 49ers won their division opener.
Key matchup: Seahawks RBs Lynch, Turbin vs. Niners run defense
PFW’s Dan Arkush focuses on Seahawks running backs vs. the Niners run defense in the Week Seven Thursday-night game.
PLAYER NEWS
The Seattle Seahawks have finalized their contract with free agent defensive end Cliff Avril, adding another needed pass rusher along their defensive line. The contract, reportedly for two years, was finalized on Thursday.|||||||
Avril immediately addresses Seattle's need to add someone who can pressure the quarterback. Avril had 9 1/2 sacks last season, but the best of his five years with Detroit came in 2011. Avril had 11 sacks - good for seventh in the NFC - along with six forced fumbles and an interception. His long, lean frame fits the mold of the type of defensive ends that Seattle coach Pete Carroll wants.
A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that Avril and the Seattle Seahawks have reached agreement on a deal that addresses one of Seattle's big offseason concerns.|||||||
The agreement was reached on Wednesday and is still pending a physical. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the deal. NFL.com first reported the deal. Avril immediately helps Seattle's most glaring offseason need in adding depth along the defensive line. Seattle is unsure of the status of defensive end Chris Clemons due to a knee injury suffered against Washington in the playoffs.
Avril (back) is probable for Monday's game at Chicago.|||||||
Avril suffered the injury last week against Minnesota.
Avril left Sunday's game against Minnesota with a back injury.|||||||
Avril slipped awkwardly while rushing the quarterback in the fourth quarter and lost his footing. He remained down for a little while being tended to on the field, but he was able to walk off gingerly. He also missed the start of Detroit's next defensive series.
Avril has reported to Detroit Lions training camp. Detroit Lions spokesman Bill Keenist confirmed Avril signed his tender Sunday morning.|||||||
Avril will make $10.6 million this season as franchise-tagged player. He didn't report with his teammates to training camp on July 26 and missed more than a week of practice. Avril is the only NFL player with at least 19 1/2 sacks, nine deflected passes, seven forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries the previous two years.