If the Detroit Lions and defensive end Cliff Avril are unable to agree to terms on a long-term deal before the franchise tag deadline on Monday, it won't be for a lack of trying. Although the negotiations have been described as moving slowly at times, the two sides have been meeting quite a bit as of late in hopes of trying to get a deal done. That was especially the case on Sunday, according to Dave Birkett.
The Lions have been in talks w/Cliff Avril's agent about a new deal most of the day. Still talking, so might be able to get something done
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) March 5, 2012
The fact that both sides were still talking on Sunday is a good sign. As is usually the case with negotiations like this, it might just take until the 11th hour to get something done. All that matters is that something does get done, and it'd be outstanding if a new deal is in place before the Lions have to use the franchise tag on Avril.
Birkett also reports that the talks "should resume tomorrow," so expect both sides to keep working at this right up until the 4 p.m. deadline.