Things have been pretty quiet on the Cliff Avril front as of late. This is because there really haven't been any significant developments ever since the Detroit Lions placed the franchise tag on him. While both sides continue to hope for a long-term deal, right now there is still a fairly big gap between what Avril wants and what the Lions want to pay. From Albert Breer:
The Lions and Avril's people aren't near reaching a deal, either. In fact, the sides are separated by around $2 million per year on Avril's worth, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. The player's side is looking for something with a yearly average exceeding the $10.605 million attached to the tender, over four years, which would top $42 million, with more than half of it guaranteed. The Lions have made several offers. But nothing's close.
While the Lions do value Avril, they have made it clear in the past year that they aren't going to pay what he is looking for. Last summer, there were hopes of the two sides working out a long-term deal, but nothing happened. This is still the case, and you can see why. That $2 million per year difference is an obstacle the two sides haven't been able to get past yet, and until they do, there won't be a long-term deal.
The Lions and Avril have until July 16 to agree on a long-term deal. After that day, Avril will be stuck playing on his one-year franchise tender in 2012.
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