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Cliff Avril | Defensive Lineman

Team: Seattle Seahawks
Age / DOB:  (27) / 4/8/1986
Ht / Wt:  6'3' / 260
College: Purdue
Contract: view contract details
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Recent News

Seahawks DE Cliff Avril is sitting out OTAs with plantar fascia in his foot.
Avril has been dealing with the issue for four weeks, but he's still a "couple weeks" away from taking part in on-field drills. Per coach Pete Carroll, Avril will "run some" this week. He'll then need time to rest the foot and "wait it out." Avril is expected to be the Hawks' starting "Leo" pass rusher in Week 1. May 20 - 7:25 PM
Source: Tacoma News Tribune

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Date:
Cliff Avril - DL - Seahawks

Updating a previous item, Cliff Avril's two-year deal with the Seahawks is worth just $13 million in base value.

The defensive end-needy Lions surprisingly didn't exceed or match Seattle's offer after franchising Avril for over $10 million in 2012. A left defensive end in Detroit, Avril will play right end or "Leo" with the Seahawks. Seattle figures to open the season with a starting front four of Avril, Red Bryant, Brandon Mebane, and either Michael Bennett or Clinton McDonald at "three-technique" tackle.
Related: Lions
Source: ESPN.com
Mar 18 - 12:57 PM
Cliff Avril - DL - Seahawks

Seahawks GM John Schneider envisions Cliff Avril as capable of playing both "Leo" defensive end and 4-3 strong-side linebacker.

The "Leo" is Chris Clemons' position and typically aligns on the weak side of the formation, squaring off one-on-one with left tackles. K.J. Wright is Seattle's strong-side linebacker and isn't in danger of losing his job. Avril will likely be the Seahawks' Opening Day starter at Leo. Across 16 starts last season, Clemons (ACL surgery) amassed 40 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles.
Source: Liz Mathews on Twitter
Mar 16 - 3:09 PM
Cliff Avril - DL - Seahawks

Seahawks agreed to terms with DE Cliff Avril on a two-year, $15 million contract.

That escalated quickly. Avril's market had been dead quiet to this point, but the Seahawks came out of nowhere to snap him up. Avril turns 27 in April. He has 29 sacks and nine forced fumbles over the last three seasons. Although some have attributed Avril's success to drawing single teams next to Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, Lions GM Martin Mayhew thought enough of Avril's edge-rush ability to pay him over $10 million in 2012 as Detroit's franchise player. In Seattle, Avril will add to the Seahawks' pass rush along with Bruce Irvin as Chris Clemons tries coming back from a torn ACL. Avril will be an immediate candidate for 9-12 sacks.
Related: Lions
Source: Albert Breer on Twitter
Mar 13 - 7:24 PM
Cliff Avril - DL - Seahawks

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports free agent DE Cliff Avril is currently on a flight to Seattle for a visit with the Seahawks.

The Seahawks traded for Percy Harvin on Monday, but otherwise have been quiet in free agency. Avril could be the first domino to fall in a slow-developing defensive end market that also includes John Abraham, Osi Umenyiora, Dwight Freeney, and Michael Bennett. Seattle needs edge-rush help with Chris Clemons coming off a torn ACL. Avril is the premier pure edge rusher left in free agency.
Related: Seahawks
Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter
Mar 13 - 7:17 PM
Cliff Avril - DL - Seahawks

The Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson is hearing there's a "good chance" the Colts will sign free agent Cliff Avril.

Wilson acknowledges "nothing concrete yet." Our prediction on the top free-agent pass rushers at this point would be Paul Kruger to the Browns, Avril to the Colts, and Dwight Freeney to the Broncos, with Michael Bennett, Osi Umenyiora, and John Abraham still up in the air. Elvis Dumervil could soon join this market.
Related: Colts, Browns
Source: Aaron Wilson on Twitter
Mar 12 - 10:44 AM
Cliff Avril - DL - Seahawks

"Several league sources" tell CBS Sports that Tampa Bay is a potential landing spot for free agent Cliff Avril.

The Buccaneers desperately need edge-rushing help and Avril is the premier outside pass rusher on the market, ahead even of Paul Kruger. The Bucs do not anticipate re-signing free agent Michael Bennett. Like Bennett, Avril has been a defensive left end. Avril is a better athlete and offers more versatility, as well.
Related: Buccaneers
Source: CBS Sports
Mar 12 - 9:45 AM
Cliff Avril - DL - Seahawks

A source tells SI's Peter King he expects the Browns to sign either Paul Kruger or Cliff Avril "by Tuesday night."

King's "money" is on Avril, but it appears to be a true 50-50. Whomever the Browns miss out on could end up in Indianapolis. What's clear is that neither Avril nor Kruger will be returning to their old teams.
Related: Paul Kruger, Browns
Source: Sports Illustrated
Mar 11 - 8:59 AM
Cliff Avril - DL - Seahawks

Anwar Richardson of MLive.com reported Saturday that "at least four teams" have shown "interest" in Lions DE Cliff Avril thus far.

It's not presently known whether or not the Lions are in the mix. With 39.5 sacks in five NFL seasons, Avril is one of top pass rushers in free agency. He's only played in a 4-3 scheme in his NFL career, but several 3-4 defensive teams, like Cleveland, were rumored to have interest in Avril prior to this weekend. Avril recently said he would not mind switching positions with another team. "I thought I was going to be a 3-4 coming out (of college)," said Avril, who turns 28 in April.
Source: MLive.com
Mar 9 - 10:56 AM
Cliff Avril - DL - Seahawks

Free agent DE Cliff Avril says he's "not really talking" with the Lions.

"Maybe they will make a strong push, or we'll make a push with them," Avril said. "I don't know if that's their way of doing things, but we haven't been talking." Avril also reiterated he'd be willing to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. In his prime and keeping his options open, Avril is going to earn a major payday.
Source: MLive.com
Mar 8 - 1:12 PM
Cliff Avril - DL - Seahawks

A source with knowledge of the situation tells Profootballtalk "multiple" teams that run 3-4 defenses are interested in free agent DE Cliff Avril.

We already know one, as the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported Wednesday the Browns are interested in the soon-to-be former Detroit Lion. PFT's source doesn't name names, but with their ample cap space and pass-rush need, the Colts are another good bet. Touted as scheme versatile by Lions GM Martin Mayhew, Avril wouldn't have trouble converting to outside linebacker, which he played in college.
Related: Browns, Colts
Source: Profootballtalk on NBCSports.com
Mar 6 - 7:57 PM
Cliff Avril - DL - Seahawks

Free agent DE Cliff Avril says there's been only minimal contact between his agent and the Lions so far.

As expected, the Lions declined to slap Avril with the franchise tag for the second straight year as it would have cost them $12.7 million. With the start of free agency just one week away, he now appears destined for the open market and a new home. Avril is going to break the bank as a 27-year-old versatile pass rusher that has racked up 29.5 sacks over the last three seasons. He's among the top-four players available.
Source: Detroit Free Press
Mar 5 - 9:06 AM
Cliff Avril - DL - Seahawks

The Lions will meet with free agent DE Cliff Avril's rep at the Combine.

It's the sides' first known meeting. There's mutual interest in a new deal, but GM Martin Mayhew has hinted Avril's price will lead him to the open market. Avril recently admitted he'd "love" to get Mario Williams money, and that dollars will be the deciding factor in any new deal. He's likely played his final down for Detroit.
Source: Chris McCosky on Twitter
Feb 22 - 9:29 AM
Cliff Avril - DL - Seahawks

Free agent DE Cliff Avril "would love" to get Mario Williams money.

Williams signed a six-year, $100 million deal with the Bills last offseason that included $50 million guaranteed. "I would love to get Mario's deal. Who wouldn't?" said Avril. "Those are some great numbers, hopefully we can get somewhere near there." Avril, 27 in April, turned down a three-year, $30 million offer from the Lions last season and went on to notch 9.5 sacks. He's arguably the top free agent on the market.
Source: MLive.com
Feb 16 - 2:18 PM
Cliff Avril - DL - Seahawks

Free agent DE Cliff Avril puts his chances of re-signing with the Lions at "50-50," and admits money will be the deciding factor.

Appearing on Pro Football Talk on NBC Sports Network, Avril said he was "leaning against" giving the Lions a hometown discount. Avril's admission that money will guide his decision will rankle Lions fans, but is the truth for 99 percent of free agents and encouraged by our Capitalist society. Committed to overhauling the roster, GM Martin Mayhew has hinted he's ready to let Avril walk.
Source: Chris McCosky on Twitter
Feb 13 - 5:40 PM

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K1Steven Hauschka
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