Is this Avril’s last season in the D? (Photo: Kirthmon F. Dozier/DFP)

As the season comes to a close, the Lions front office has to deal with the same problem as last year; what do they do with Defensive End Cliff Avril?

Avril, the Lions 3^rd round pick in 2008, is scheduled to be a free agent for the second straight offseason. Last offseason, the Lions slapped a $10.6 million franchise tag on Avril after negotiations went nowhere.

If the Lions wanted to franchise tag Avril again, it will cost them a good amount of cash. Last year, Avril received $10.6 million, the average of the top 5 salaries for defensive ends in 2012. This year, the Lions would have to pay Avril $12.7 million, or 120% of his salary from last season. Most likely Avril is seeking a contract larger than the 3 year, $30 million the Lions offered last year. Avril won’t look to cash in like Mario Williams (6 year, $100 million), but it would be safe to say Avril wants at least $12 million per year.
 
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