Although the Detroit Lions have placed the franchise tag on defensive end Cliff Avril, this story is far from over. With the tag now on him, Avril has a few different paths he can go down in terms of his future. One is to simply sign the franchise tender, giving him a one-year deal worth about $10.4 million. Another option, which is highly unlikely, is for Avril to not sign anything and sit out the season if a long-term deal isn't reached. That is also an option. The Lions and Avril have until July 15 to work out something of the long-term variety. Then you also have the possibilities out there of Avril negotiating with another team and signing an offer sheet, which would give the Lions the ability to match the contract, receive two first-round picks or perhaps just work out a trade.
As you can see, a lot of different things could happen with Avril. This is the topic of discussion in Jerry Mallory's latest video for Pride of Detroit and SB Nation, and it includes a sound bite from his interview with Avril from last October. Check it out after the jump.
I have a feeling this is a story that will continue to play out over the course of the next few months.
