2012 NFL Free Agents: Why the Detroit Lions Should Let DE Cliff Avril Walk

Detroit Lions President Tom Lewand recently addressed the importance of bringing back the team's own players during free agency.

Big-name Detroit free agents this year include left tackle Jeff Backus, cornerback Eric Wright, running back Kevin Smith, linebacker Stephen Tulloch and, the talk of the town, defensive end Cliff Avril.

Avril's been the main topic of discussion when it comes to free agency this offseason. After a productive season with 11 sacks, six forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns, the 25-year-old defensive end is looking for his payday.

The Lions do have the option of using the franchise tag on Avril from now until March 5th. Unrestricted free agents officially hit the market March 13th.

Avril already admitted that he would hold out if franchised, in hopes of a long-term deal around the same scale as Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson and Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tamba Hali.

This past offseason, Hali inked a deal for five years worth $60 million and Johnson was re-signed for six years and $72 million.

Due to the Lions' financial restrictions for the next few years, they won't be able to sign every free agent on their wish list. At this rate, Avril might be out the door, which could be to his and the Lions' benefit.

Lewand and GM Martin Mayhew have already confirmed their plan of working out a new deal soon with wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who becomes a free agent after 2012-13. After his monster 2011-12 campaign, he's set to become the NFL's highest-paid receiver.

With Johnson as a big priority, it comes down to one or the other between Avril and Tulloch, the two stars of the Lions defense last season. 

Tulloch is one of the best 4-3 middle linebackers in the NFL. The Lions arguably had the biggest steal of 2011 in signing Tulloch to a one-year, $3 million deal following a career season with 160 tackles.

In his first season as a Lion, Tulloch picked up where left off with 111 tackles, two interceptions, three sacks and three fumble recoveries. He was, without a doubt, one of the few sure tacklers for the Lions, and the unquestioned leader of the defense.

It's not a knock on Avril's talent, but Tulloch is the more valuable piece to the Lions, even with Avril entering the prime of his career. Even with the depth at linebacker, there's no player on the roster that made the kind of impact Tulloch did.

DeAndre Levy was a good filler at middle linebacker, but he doesn't have the same value or consistency that Tulloch does.

As well as Avril performed this past season, there are still flaws in his game. He's a bit one-dimensional, only creating havoc when rushing the quarterback. Avril still struggles against the run, especially when big outside gains come by his side.

He's surely one of the most underrated defensive ends in the league, but he'll have to improve against the run in order to receive an elite contract.

The Lions also have one of the deepest rotations on the defensive line. Avril and Kyle Vanden Bosch were productive starters at defensive end, but the Lions also got quality play from Willie Young and Lawrence Jackson.

With Vanden Bosch turning 34 in November, and Avril asking for big money, Detroit could be giving bigger roles to Young and Jackson, or even looking to add another end in the draft. Avril is a budding star, but with the depth on the line, he's expendable.

In the history of Mayhew's offseason moves, the quiet deals are the ones that get done. During the past offseason, it seemed that the Tulloch deal had fallen through and the Lions were looking at Nick Barnett at linebacker.

Even after all the speculation of Barnett coming to Detroit, however, Mayhew quietly worked out a deal to bring Tulloch to the Lions. 

Even in the draft, Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara was the fan-favorite prospect. Mayhew pulled a surprise trigger and drafted Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley.

Avril has become the biggest topic of conversation around Detroit when free agency is mentioned. He's said he would like to stay in Detroit, but signs of Avril's interest seem to lean more towards getting paid.

If history is on pace to repeat itself, Avril has more than likely played his last season in a Detroit Lions uniform. Re-signing Calvin Johnson and Stephen Tulloch, plus adding depth in the secondary and offensive line are bigger needs of concern than bringing back Avril.

He'll find the right team willing to pay the right price this offseason, but don't expect it to be the Detroit Lions.