Last offseason, the Lions reportedly offered defensive end Cliff Avril, who was coming off a monster 2011, a three-year deal worth $30 million. Avril rejected the deal, and the Lions ended up franchise-tagging him, paying him $10.6 million for 2012.
At the time, the two sides were about $2 million apart per year, with Avril -- who had 11 sacks and six forced fumbles last season -- saying, "It was close. It was like the size of a small ditch in the road. Neither side wanted to cross the ditch."
After this year, in which Avril has recorded 9.5 sacks, that chasm might be wider than before especially when he went through a stretch of five games midway through this season during which he managed only two sacks and currently plays for a team that's 4-11. But Avril also doesn't regret not signing Detroit's $30 million offer.
"Once again, it comes with the business," Avril said, via MLive.com. "You got to take the good with the bad. There was a drought where I wasn't getting any sacks [earlier this season], and guys were like, 'Uh-oh, you're in trouble. You should have took the deal.' Just all kinds of different things. It is what it is. I don't trip. It comes with the business.
"Honestly, I look at it like I'm truly blessed to play in the NFL. Point, blank, period. I'm truly blessed to play in the NFL. I'm fortunate enough to be able to have a team that wanted me last year. Just let it be what it is after that."
Source: CBS Sports
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December 28, 2012
