Defensive end Cliff Avril said Saturday that he's open to holding out if the Detroit Lions attempt to resolve his contract situation by applying the franchise tag. <\/p>\n
\"There's a lot of different possibilities, and that's one of the possibilities -- not showing up,\" Avril told the Detroit Free Press. \"But we don't know. That's not the plan, obviously. But there's a lot of different possibilities, and that's definitely one of them.\" <\/p>\n
The newspaper reported that Avril is likely seeking about $12 million a year in a long-term contract, but did not cite any sources. The franchise tag amount for defensive ends is $10.6 million for the 2012 season. <\/p>\n
\"I don't want to be franchised,\" Avril told the newspaper. \"That's basically what I got last year. The tender was basically the same thing. I just want security and longevity.\" <\/p>\n
According to the Free Press, Avril wanted a long-term contract last offseason before the Lions signed him to a $2,611,000 tender for one season. <\/p>\n
\"They basically told me you need to do this, that and third or whatever as far as playing and being productive,\" Avril said. \"I feel like I did that. Obviously it doesn't stop right here, but I do want to be compensated for the work that I'm putting in. That's all.\" <\/p>\n
Avril indicated last week that he won't give the Lions any special treatment if he hits free agency. <\/p>\n
The Free Press also reported Sunday that Lions safety Louis Delmas has fully recovered from a knee injury that hampered him at the end of last season. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Originally posted here: Defensive end Cliff Avril said Saturday that he's open to holding out if the Detroit Lions attempt to resolve his contract situation by applying the franchise tag. \"There's a lot of different possibilities, and that's one of the possibilities -- not showing up,\" Avril told the Detroit Free Press. \"But we don't know Continue reading
\nAvril seeking 'security and longevity' from Lions<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"