Cliff Avril and Detroit Lions Aren’t Speaking

Dec 24, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks to pass while being pressured by Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril (92) during the second half at Ford Field. Detroit won 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Free agent defensive end Cliff Avril and the Detroit Lions aren’t currently talking about a new deal. Surprising that the Lions aren’t trying to get a deal done before he hits the market war and the Lions are forced to bid against other teams. Especially with Avril’s outspoken willingness to move to outside linebacker in a 3-4, making himself a candidate for more teams.

“I try to stay in with my agent and see how things are going, especially with the whole Lions situation since they are not really talking to me. It’s more of just waiting,” Avril said, via MLive.com. “I definitely try not to pay attention, but Twitter doesn’t allow that.”

“We haven’t really been talking, but there’s still a few days,” Avril said. “Maybe they will make a strong push, or we’ll make a push with them. At the same time, we haven’t really been talking. Last year, I got franchised, and we didn’t start talking to them until four or five days before that deadline. I don’t know if that’s their way of doing things, but we haven’t been talking.”

But that necessarilly isn’t because Avril wants to leave the Lions.

“I would love to be back with the Lions, but it’s a business. You only get to hit free agency once in your career. Most guys only get to hit it once, if they get to hit it. I feel like if the Lions really want me, they’ll find a way to make it happen. Who knows? I would definitely love to be with the Lions. I started out with them, been in the Detroit the past five years, and I’d to continue it, but sometimes you have to part ways.”