According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions have begun sending out tender offers to players who have the possibility of being restricted free agents under the new NFL CBA.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted earlier today that the Lions have put a 1st and 3rd round tender on DE Cliff Avril. What this means is that any team who does sign him will have to forfeit their first and third round picks to the Lions.
Birkett also mentions that Lions GM Martin Mayhew indicated that the team would tender a number of their free agents going into next season. Some of these players include CB Chris Houston, QB Drew Stanton, K Dave Rayner, LB Bobby Carpenter and DT Corey Hilliard.
Avril had a very productive season this past year with 8 1/2 sacks in 13 games. He also has 19 combined sacks in his first three NFL seasons.
Source: Detroit Free Press
