Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril remains in limbo with the team as he refuses to sign a franchise-tag offer of one year, $10.6 million in hopes of locking up a long-term deal with the team.
Avril did not participate in last week's minicamp since he isn't under contract with the team, but he did drop by the NFL Network studios for an appearance on "Total Access" where he touched on his contract situation and his desire to continue chasing down quarterbacks off the edge for the Lions.
"Yeah we're talking," he said. "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, 0-16. I want to be with the team when we make the Super Bowl run."
As Carlos Monarrez reports, Avril went on to discuss several issues involving the Lions, sounding very much like a player expecting to be lining up with the Lions again next season.
For more on the Detroit Lions, check out Pride of Detroit. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.