No deal for Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril, Ready to play new season with franchise tag - NFL News
Detroit Lions defensive end, Cliff Avril, stated in a recent interview that he had a bad vibe about the negotiations going on between his representative and, the Detroit Lions over a new long-term deal.
Unfortunately for Avril his sixth sense was correct as Monday’s deadline day passed without the two sides agreeing on a new contract and, the defensive end will now have to play on the franchise tender for the 2012-13 season.
The Lions and Avril’s representative held talks on deadline day but, no agreement was reached between the two parties which led Detroit Lions to end talks on a new contract.
Avril though remained calm after talks ended and said that he did not take it personally since it is all business.
Talking with the Associated Press on Monday, the defensive end said:
"I'm not mad. Business is business. You can't take it personal."
He also went on to say that he was happy to play on the tag which will pay him approximately $ 10.6 million for the current season but said that, he would have preferred a new long-term deal.
"To go from making the league minimum to that is not bad, but still you want a long-term deal."
Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand also released a statement about the negotiations and said:
"While we are disappointed that we could not execute a long-term deal, we do look forward to having Cliff with us this season under the terms of the franchise tender."
The defensive end was a big part of the Lions team that, finally ended their long running playoff drought last year.
Avril had his best season at the franchise as he made 11 sacks and 36 tackles.
Detroit went on to deliver a 10-6 regular season record and made it to the playoff rounds for the first time since 1999.
This year the franchise is targeting a return to the playoffs and Avril even though he has not received a long term deal is ready to help the franchise reach its lofty goals for 2012.
"I feel like I was a part of this team while we were not doing so well and 0-16. I want to be a reason why we're getting better."
Avril could get a new deal next year if he performs even better this season and, the franchise tender is likely to motivate him further.
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