Cliff Avril, Seattle Seahawks agree to deal

DetroitLions.com

As one of the top pass-rushers available in this year’s free agent class, former Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril was expected to be one of the first players gobbled up when the market officially opened at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

However, Avril has found himself waiting idly by for more than a day as other defenders–like Paul Kruger, Dannell Ellerbee and Desmond Bryant–have all found new homes.

Well, it appears the waiting is finally over.

According to NFL.com’s Albert Breer, Avril has agreed to a contract with the Seattle Seahawks. Avril is reportedly en route to Seattle, where he is expected to sign a multi-year contract, though details of the deal are currently unknown.

This is a big signing for the Seahawks, who already made noise this offseason by trading for former Vikings receiver Percy Harvin. Avril, who has logged 39.5 sacks in his five NFL seasons, will join an already aggressive Seahawks defense that helped pave the way for last season’s surprise playoff run.

As a team, Seattle racked up 36 sacks during the 2012 regular season, while forcing 18 interceptions. Avril will likely upgrade both totals, as his ability to harass the quarterback will make life even easier on a stout secondary highlighted by cornerback Richard Sherman and safety Earl Thomas.

However, the addition of Avril could lead to an uncertain future for Seahawks defensive end Chris Clemons. Clemons amassed 11.5 sacks last season, and has 33.5 over the past three seasons, but is 31 years old and suffered a torn ACL during the Seahawks playoff victory over the Washington Redskins in January.

For his career, Avril has totaled 168 tackles, 39.5 sacks, 13 passes defended and 16 forced fumbles.

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