Detroit Lions tag Cliff Avril

Tag, you're it Cliff. That's what the Detroit Lions did today, according to a report from ESPN.com news services. The Lions have been working on a long term contract with Cliff Avril, but were not going to get it done by the franchise tag deadline later today, also meaning that if the Lions did not use the tag, they no longer had the right to exclusive contract negotiations with Avril, starting later today. The deadline is at 4:00 P.M. Eastern time.

I have to believe this tag buys the Lions more time to get a long term deal done with Avril, but it could cost the Lions around $11 million this season. With 30 sacks in just 57 games, the Lions were not about to let Avril hit the open market, because they are in no position for a bidding war with any other teams that have cap room.

This also means Lions fans can expect more moves before the March 13th with the roster, as the Lions must now find a way to comply with the salary cap by that date.

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