:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9684329/20121230_mjr_su5_288.0.jpg)
Through the first 24 hours of NFL free agency, things had been awfully quiet on the Cliff Avril front. Considered by many to be the top player in this year's class of free agents, it was a bit strange that there hadn't really been any activity involving Avril. No visits, no rumors of contract offers, nothing.
On Wednesday night, activity picked up in a big way. As first reported by NFL Network's Albert Breer, Avril has agreed to terms on deal with the Seattle Seahawks. Originally it was reported that Avril was merely visiting the Seahawks, but it turns out he is actually flying to Seattle to sign his new deal.
It will be very, very interesting to see what kind of deal Avril ended up getting. Considering how little movement there seemed to be involving Avril initially, the thinking was that the market for him wasn't as big as he had originally hoped. Really the Seahawks were the only team even connected to Avril after the start of free agency, although I suppose that doesn't necessarily mean the deal will for sure be less than expected.
In any case, Avril is now off the market, meaning he officially won't be back with the Detroit Lions. This was the expectation all along, and it turns out that the Lions and Seahawks ended up swapping defensive ends. Seattle got Avril and Detroit got Jason Jones.
UPDATE: Here are the details on Avril's deal with Seattle:
Updating: Per @adamschefter, Cliff Avril's deal with #Seahawks is for $15 million over twoyears. Gets another chance at FA when he's 28.
— Kevin Seifert (@espn_nfcnblog) March 14, 2013
Considering he turned down a supposed three-year, $30 million deal from the Lions last year, $15 million over two years has to be a disappointment for Avril.
More:
• Follow all of the Lions' free agency news
• 2013 Detroit Lions free agency tracker