Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril stopped by NFL Network on Tuesday night as part of NFL Total Access' 32 in 32 series. The Lions were the team featured last night, so they hosted Avril for an interview.
While many topics were addressed during the interview, the most notable questions focused on his contract situation. Avril hasn't yet signed his franchise tender in hopes of securing a long-term deal. He and the Lions have until July 16 to work something out, and Avril remains hopeful that something will get done.
Q. On where the contract negotiations stand right now with the Lions:
A. "We’re talking. We’re still trying to get things figured out before camp. I want to be there long-term, I want to get a deal done. I don’t want to play under the franchise tag. I’ve been with the team for four, going on five years. Started off a little shaky going 0-16 and I want to be with the team when we make the Super Bowl run."
In a follow-up question, Avril was asked if he would consider holding out if nothing of the long-term variety is agreed to. His response was that he would prefer to not play on the franchise tag, and because the two sides still have time before the July 16 deadline to get something done, he hasn't "really thought past that point."
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