The Lions don't expect defensive end Cliff Avril to participate in their mandatory minicamp next week, but they want it known that he is more than welcome. "We know he's working hard and we'd like to have him back out here," coach Jim Schwartz said. "But business is business. As soon as we can we will welcome him right back and hope that he will pick up right where he left off last season." Avril has until July 16 to sign the $10.6 million franchise tender. In the meantime, he is hoping to work out a long-term deal with the Lions. If the tender is not signed and a long-term deal can't be worked out, Avril would have to sit out the season. He cannot play for another team this season. Nobody expects the situation to get that far. "We have the tender out and he is welcome to sign that any time he wants," president Tom Lewand said. "We continue discussions on whether we can convert that into something longer-term, but in many w...
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June 08, 2012
