DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 16: Cliff Avril #92 of the Detroit Lions pumps his arms after a tackle during a NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field on October 16, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
–General manager Martin Mayhew has not used the franchise tag since he’s taken the job and he said recently that he would prefer not to in the case of Cliff Avril.
“I have no plans to use the franchise tag but you never know what might happen,” he said. “We will approach Cliff about a long-term deal and try to get something done.” The franchise tag would pay Avril approximately $10 million for the 2012 season. He is expected to seek a deal that would average $12 million per year, with a signing bonus in the neighborhood of $30 million.
–President Tom Lewand told season-ticket holders that he didn’t see the Lions playing a home game in Europe any time soon. “Europe is great but we don’t look to participate as a home team,” he said. “We don’t want to lose games at Ford Field.”
Click HERE for the full story from CBSSports.com
