Cliff

Avril

“Franchising him is not a good option for us. The only worse option is playing without him,” said Mayhew. The Lions’ priority is a long-term extension, but they won’t be letting Avril walk if one isn’t struck. “Whatever happens with Cliff, it’s a business decision,” Mayhew added, speaking of Avril’s on-and-off threats to hold out. "... I respect his ability to handle business.”

No major news here. GM Martin Mayhew had all but confirmed the franchise tag as a fall-back option for Avril, who would earn roughly $10.6 million in 2012. Tagging Avril makes it less likely that free agent MLB Stephen Tulloch will be re-signed on a long-term deal.

“The thing is, I wanted a deal last year,” Avril said. “They told me I had to play and prove myself. I feel like now I should be compensated. I’ve been putting in the work. I’ve been trying to improve every year. I have done what they wanted me to do.” It’s an understandable sentiment, but Avril’s leverage will evaporate if the Lions place the franchise tag on him.

Beat writer Dave Birkett is optimistic a deal could be struck before Monday’s 4PM ET franchise tag deadline. Avril would likely be accepting a hometown discount if he signed before forcing the Lions’ hand. He’d hit an absolute goldmine on the open market, appealing to both 4-3 teams as a defensive end and 3-4 clubs as a pass-rushing outside linebacker. We’ll know more tomorrow.

Avril received the more common “non-exclusive” tag, which means he can negotiate with other teams but the Lions can match any offer or receive two first-round picks as compensation if Avril signs elsewhere. The tag guarantees Avril roughly $10.6 in 2012. Avril has said he would at least consider holding out if tagged, but there is a mutual interest in locking him up long term. With Avril off the market, the top free agent edge rushers left are Mario Williams, Robert Mathis, Mark Anderson, John Abraham, and Jeremy Mincey.

“Of course holding out is something you think about,” said Avril. “I’m not saying I’m going to do it, but it’s possible.” Avril is trying to wring some leverage out of his free agency, but franchised players have few options because the money is too good to pass up. Missing training camp practices won’t help in a contract year, either. Avril confirmed to MLive.com Tuesday that he wants to remain in Detroit.

It’s a bit of hardball from Avril, who had previously gone on the record as “definitely” not wanting to be tagged. Avril has also made it clear he won’t offer the Lions a “hometown discount,” and that he’ll be seeking top dollar on the open market. The Detroit Free Press reported Friday the Lions are “likely” to tag Avril before the March 5 deadline if slow-developing long-term talks don’t gain momentum. Avril would stand to earn roughly $10 million under the franchise tag.

“There’s a lot of different possibilities, and that’s one of the possibilities — not showing up,” he said. "... That’s not the plan, obviously. But there’s a lot of different possibilities, and that’s definitely one of them.” Avril has more to gain by threatening a holdout than guaranteeing one, but it’s clear not reporting will be his most likely course of action if tagged.

Avril still hasn’t signed his $10.6 million franchise tender. However, Avril says he will be in Detroit “in case there’s a breakthrough” in long-term talks. The sides have until July 16 to hammer out an agreement. “I think we’re going to continue to try and get something done hopefully and we’ll see how it goes,” Avril said.

Both sides want a long-term deal, but there is an obvious gap in the perception of Avril’s worth. Avril is staying positive by keeping himself in tip-top shape at Total Performance Training Center in Detroit. When the sides do find common ground, Avril will be ready to step on the practice field immediately.