Ex-Lion Avril: Free agency will be 'headache' for Suh

PHOENIX – The last high-priced Detroit Lions defensive lineman to leave in free agency has a word of warning for the All-Pro pass rusher who could soon follow in his footsteps.

"It's going to be a headache," Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril said.

Avril went through two tours of free agency as a Lion with different results before eventually landing in Seattle two years ago.

In 2012, unable to reach agreement on a long-term deal, the Lions used the franchise tag to effectively keep Avril off the open market.

Avril waited to sign his franchise tender until early August, played the season on a one-year deal, then bolted for the Seahawks in March of 2013 when the market turned softer than originally thought and the Lions showed little interest in bringing him back.

Suh can become an unrestricted free agent six weeks from today. His rookie contract voids next week, and while both sides have said they hope to strike a long-term deal, talks have progressed slowly so far.

"It's going to be a headache, but his situation will be a little bit different than mine," Avril said. "So (my) advice is to embrace whatever his role is and make sure that whatever team you go to, you fit the scheme. I think that's the big thing. Sometimes we look at the money aspect of things, but if you can't be productive in the scheme, you probably won't be playing that whole contract out anyways. So I think that's the big thing."

Such, this year's top free agent, is expected to command one of the richest contracts for a defensive player in NFL history and for that reason may have a limited number of suitors if he hits the open market.

The Lions can restrict his movement, like they did with Avril, by applying the franchise tag.

Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said earlier this month the tag is a viable option with Suh even though it would cost a whopping $26.9 million.

Avril despised playing the 2012 season on the tag, though two Super Bowl trips later, it worked out for the best.

"His tag number's going to be way higher than mine," said Avril, who made $10.6 million on his franchise tender. "I mean, if he gets tagged, it is what it is. He has to continue to keep doing what he does and that's playing great ball, trying to be one of the best (defensive tackles) to do it, and once they tag you, hey, it is what it is. Again, just play ball and let things play itself out."

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.