XXVIII-III Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Bring 'em home TD?Round 2: Cliff Avril vs. Detroit LionsThe defensive end held out last offseason as a restricted free agent. He wanted a lucrative long-term deal, but the Lions topped out at three years and $30 million. Avril decided to gamble on himself and eventually signed a $10.6 million franchise tender with the hope of earning that desired payday in 2013 - from the Lions or another team.Well, Avril finished with 9.5 sacks and two forced fumbles after a career-high 11 sacks and six forced fumbles in 2011."I don't think the roulette table has stopped spinning yet," general manager Martin Mayhew said this month, the Detroit Free Press reported. "I don't know if he won the bet yet or not. That's a good question for him, though. But it's not over yet. We'll find out kind of where he is."Avril wasn't the threat in 2012 that he was in 2011, but he also played with a pinched nerve and the Lions weren't position in the second halves of games where the defensive line could just pin its ears back.Things haven't changed much in a year. Avril, 26, is still a young, speed-defensive end with much promise. The Lions have some cap magic to make and have both Matthew Stafford and Ndamukong Suh due for long, expensive deals within the next two seasons. Mayhew said he doesn't plan to use the franchise tag in 2013.The two sides haven't gotten closer after all this time and it's hard to imagine an agreement before Avril hits the open market. Maybe he'll get the cash and years from someone else. Maybe the market will prove the Lions were in the right ballpark. Either way, young pass rushers aren't exactly roaming the streets.Here's betting both sides will still be gambling on themselves when free agency opens March 12.Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bossFALCON™ Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 I like Anthony Spencer a little bit more than Avril due to his scheme versaitilty and the fact that he will come a whole lot cheaper.There are a ton of stud pass rushers available this year. Spencer, Avril, Freeney and Osi. One of those guys needs to be in black red next year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Negatorris Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 I'd rather draft a DE. We won't have to pay him as much as we would for Avril. Not like Cliff is a game changer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlfanstckndenver Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 I say we draft one, and if its feasible sign one of these guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DMT11 Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 the problem is that its so hard to even get a player as good as Avril in the first round - the bust potential is sooooo high. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A Pimp Named Slickback™ Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 I'd rather draft a DE. We won't have to pay him as much as we would for Avril. Not like Cliff is a game changer.I agree, it's time to start drafting need positions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XXVIII-III Posted January 15, 2013 Author Share Posted January 15, 2013 I understand exactly where you guys are coming from, I would absolutely love to draft a stud DE. Problem is, that hasn't worked out so well for us... But, then again, neither has bringing in a FA... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AthensDirtyBird Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 I'd rather sign a DE and draft a DT and DE. Is that asking too much? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bossFALCON™ Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 I'd rather sign a DE and draft a DT and DE. Is that asking too much?I like it. Sign a stud DE and draft a stud DE in the first. Even a blind squirrel has to find a nut eventually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Negatorris Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 I understand exactly where you guys are coming from, I would absolutely love to draft a stud DE. Problem is, that hasn't worked out so well for us... But, then again, neither has bringing in a FA...I don't think we've drafted a DE with our first pick since TD got here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DMT11 Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 This ^ exactly what we need to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XXVIII-III Posted January 15, 2013 Author Share Posted January 15, 2013 I don't think we've drafted a DE with our first pick since TD got here.Will there actually be a real stud DE there at the 32nd pick? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirtybird2k5 Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Depends on how long Abe sticks around. Same type of player. I think he could learn a lot from the Predator. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucky_Tom Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 I don't think we've drafted a DE with our first pick since TD got here.Pretty sure we haven't taken a DE before the 4th since TD got here. I never understood the notion that TD can't pick DE's. He hasn't tried. I presume it's a combination the Ray Edwards fiasco and maybe even JA98 clouding minds that give this impression. I don't know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Culain_04 Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Will there actually be a real stud DE there at the 32nd pick?There's a slim chance that Alex Okafer, Margus Hunt or maybe Ziggy Ansah (doubt) will be there.I know it won't happen but i would love to see this1. Alex Okafer DE\OLB 6'5 2652. Sylvester Williams DT 6'3 3053. Cornelius(Tank) Carradine DE\OLB 6'5 265 (He's Hurt, but would be a sure 1st rounder if not) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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