Lions GM Not Worried DE Cliff Avril Isn't In Camp Yet

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Cliff Avril has been a no-show through five days of training camp, and Lions general manager Martin Mayhew insists he’s not the least bit worried, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. “I would love to have Cliff here, looking forward to seeing him,” Mayhew said today. “Eventually I know he will be here, and he’ll be in great condition when he gets here. I know he’s a hard worker. He’s getting ready to play football, and he’s excited about this season.” Avril and the Lions failed to reach a long-term contract by the July 16 deadline, leaving Avril to play this season on the one-year franchise tender of $10.6 million. He can’t sign a new deal now until after the season and is sitting out the early part of camp to avoid injury. Avril is not required to report until he signs. “He’s no different than a free agent on the street except that we have his rights, but he’s not under contract,” Mayhew said. “When he gets here, he’ll be here, and I’ll be glad to see him.”

Source: The Redzone