With the 4PM deadline for teams to franchise players rapidly approaching the Lions decided to take no chances and franchise defensive end Cliff Avril.
The Lions used the non-exclusive tag on Avril meaning other teams can negotiate a contract with Avril once free agency opens on March 13th. However the Lions have the opportunity to match any offer given by another team or receive two first round picks as compensation.
With the tag in place, it’s believed that Avril will receive around $10.6 million dollars for the 2012 season before he once again becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2013.
Although both sides didn’t want to go the franchise tag route, going with this option gives the Lions more time to negotiate a long-term deal with Avril and his representatives.
Detroit has until July 15th to work out that long-term deal or the franchise tag will become permanent for 2012.
The Lions still however have plenty of work to do this offseason which includes extending the contract of WR Calvin Johnson, re-signing OT Jeff Backus and attempting to bring back LB Stephen Tulloch.
Ref: Detroit Free Press, ABC News (image)