Seahawks lock up Cliff Avril with 4-year extension
JANUARY 28: defensive end Cliff Avril #56 of the Seattle Seahawks speaks to the media during Super Bowl XLVIII Media Day at the Prudential Center on January 28, 2014 in Newark, New Jersey. Super Bowl XLVIII will be played between the Seattle Seahawks
RENTON, Wash. -- The Seattle Seahawks have signed defensive end Cliff Avril to a $28.5 million, four-year extension, preventing one of their top pass rushers from reaching free agency.
"I'm happy to know that I'll be back in Seattle with such a great group of guys," Avril said at a news conference Friday. "The talent on this team is amazing and I'm glad to be a part of it."
Avril's deal comes a day after the Seahawks signed linebacker K.J. Wright to a four-year extension worth $27 million. Avril and Wright were two of Seattle's priorities.
Avril is in his second year with Seattle after signing a two-year deal before the 2013 season.
Avril has started all 14 games and has 4 ½ sacks this season. He had eight sacks last year playing in more of a rotation on Seattle's defensive line.
The Seahawks play the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday. Watch Seahawks Gameday at 1:30 p.m. following The OT on Q13 FOX.