Lions No Closer To A Long-Term Extension With DE Cliff Avril

Anwar S. Richardson of MLive.com writes that the negotiations between the Cliff Avril and the Detroit Lions don’t appear to be going anywhere and sees the odds of a contract getting done during the offseason as being “very slim.”

Avril was initially against the idea of being franchised and even hinted at possibly holding out, but has since backed off of that threat. The Lions will have until July 16th to get a new contract in place with the Avril.

Pro Football Focus has Avril rated as the #29 best 4-3 defensive end in league last season. What’s interesting to note is that he’s actually the lowest rated defensive end with at least 10 sacks which has to do with the fact that he’s not as solid against the run and draws his fair share of penalties.