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 |
Lions looking healthier after open date
Louis Delmas and Cliff Avril were on the practice field, looking healthy after a much-needed open date for the Lions.
One-year deal: Nine playing under franchise tag in 2012
Kevin Fishbain takes a closer look at the nine players expected to play the 2012 season under the franchise tag.
Avril signs tender, reports to Lions' camp
Lions DE Cliff Avril ended his holdout Sunday, signing his one-year, $10.6 million franchise tender and reporting to training camp.
Lions have decisions to make at DE spot
Cliff Avril's future in Detroit isn't the only issue the Lions will soon have to sort out among their DE corps, writes PFW's Mike Wilkening.
Avril says he's not mad after talks end with Lions
Franchised DE Cliff Avril refused to lash out at the Detroit Lions after both sides ended negotiations on a multiyear contract.
Deadline passes for signing franchised players to long-term deals
Several players will have to play 2012 under the franchise tender after the deadline for signing long-term extensions passed.
Lions place franchise tag on DE Avril
The Lions have placed the franchise tag on DE Cliff Avril, keeping one of the league's top young pass rushers off the free-agent market.
Free-agent scouting report: Lions DE Cliff Avril
Lions DE Cliff Avril would be one of the top pass rushers available if he reaches free agency.
Lions, Avril on same page regarding franchise tag
The Lions and DE Cliff Avril have something in common: Neither likes the idea of the franchise tag.
DE Avril might hold out if given franchise tag
Lions DE Cliff Avril told the Detroit Free Press on Saturday that holding out is one of the options he might pursue if he is given the team's franchise tag.
Schwartz: Challenging free-agency decisions product of success
The Lions would like to re-sign DE Cliff Avril, Lions head coach Jim Schwartz told PFW at the Super Bowl.
NFL hands out fines for Week 15 play
The NFL has handed out fines to players for illegal conduct in Week 15, including Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul and Jets WR Santonio Holmes.
Lions' Vanden Bosch having productive season
Lions DE Kyle Vanden Bosch has had one of his most productive seasons from a pass-rushing standpoint, recording eight sacks — one in eight separate games.
Lions-Bears matchup of the day: Wednesday
Mike Martz needs to stick to the script that has helped the Bears improve their pass protection over the past three games.
Avril producing again for stout, playmaking Lions' defense
The Lions are on pace to surrender 200 fewer points than they did in head coach Jim Schwartz's first season in 2009. And like last season, the pass rush, with DE Cliff Avril a key component, is again stout.
McCoy, Avril and Quinn named NFC Players of the Week
Eagles RB LeSean McCoy, Lions DE Cliff Avril and Rams DE Robert Quinn were named the NFC Players of Week Eight.
Bears-Lions matchup of the day: Sunday
The Bears haven't been thrilled with Frank Omiyale's play, but he's expected to make his third consecutive start Monday night vs. the Lions.
Recap of Friday's NFL fines
Eagles DE Trent Cole was among players fined on Friday for plays that took place in Week 13.
Packers-Lions matchup of the day: Thursday
PFW executive editor and resident Packers expert Dan Arkush presents the third of five key matchups this week in advance of the Packers' Week 14 game against the Lions at Detroit
Redskins' Moss may be fielding more punts
It's not his favorite job, but Redskins WR Santana Moss could find himself returning more punts this season, according to NFC Whispers.
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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.
