Cliff Avril and Seahawks Agree on New Contract: Latest Details and Reaction

The Seattle Seahawks and defensive end Cliff Avril agreed to a four-year extension worth $28.5 million ($16 million guaranteed) on Friday.

The team made an official announcement on its website:

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The Seattle Seahawks have signed defensive end Cliff Avril to a four-year extension, the team announced today.

"Cliff has been instrumental in what we've been building on the defensive side of the ball and we are excited that he'll be with us for another four years," said Executive Vice President & General Manager John Schneider. "He has been relentless in his approach to the game and his passion for winning is contagious. This is another great day for the Seahawks and the 12s."

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The Seahawks provided Avril's thoughts as well:

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport was the first to report the contract.

The 28-year-old Avril is in his second season with the Seahawks and sixth year overall. He has just 4.5 sacks on the season, but per Sporting Charts, Avril is tied for 15th in the NFL in quarterback hurries.

Avril is in the final season of the two-year, $13 million deal he signed when he left the Detroit Lions for Seattle in 2012.

It's clear Seattle knows which side of the ball drove it to a Super Bowl championship last season and has it eyeing another this year. Rapoport and NFL.com colleague Gregg Rosenthal note the previous moves made to facilitate this and other signings that will ensure the defense remains a strong point in Seattle for years to come:

The Seahawks are 10-4 heading into a crucial battle with the NFC West-leading Arizona Cardinals. Inking Avril means there's one less distraction to deal with while the team chases a division title and attempts to repeat as champions.