The Seattle Seahawks made a huge splash in free agency when they traded for Minnesota Vikings receiver Percy Harvin and they weren't done making moves after that, as they signed Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril to two-year contract.
According to sources that spoke to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Avril signed a two-year, $15 million deal with the team, locking himself up after being under the franchise tag with the Lions last season. The DE will be 27-years-old this season and had a solid year for the Lions while making 9.5 sacks, 35 tackles and two forced fumbles.
Avril was the top defensive player on the market and the Seahawks needed some depth on the line after they lost Chris Clemons to an ACL injury in the playoffs last year. Avril has been a beast with the Lions, making 39.5 career sacks and 16 forced fumbles since 2008, when he was drafted by the team out of Purdue.
Avril will join first-round pick Bruce Irvin from last year and will create a formidable front line for the Seahawks. Avril has increased his sack totals each season apart from last year after having 11 sacks in 2011 when the Lions made the playoffs.
Avril has been healthy for most of his career and has played in 16 games in each of the past two seasons. Over the past three years he has averaged 10 sacks and he has made 102 QB pressures. Avril will be able to help against teams like the 49ers who have athletic quarterbacks and should make the Seattle defense a top unit once again.
The signing of Avril could mean the team will release Chris Clemons, as he is due $6 million next year and his cap hit is even higher. The team is trying to sign Harvin to a large extension and may need the cap space in the future. Avril left money on the table after he rejected a three-year deal from the Lions, but at 6 feet, 3 inches and 260 pounds he should be a force for the Seahawks.
His salary will be lower than when he played under the franchise tag last season, but he could be in line for another pay day depending on how this run goes, as he will be just 28 when the deal is over with. The Seattle defense was one of the best last season with Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas and now with Avril, the unit will be hard to beat.