Lions tag Avril; bad news for Chargers fans

Unable to reach an agreement on a long-term contract, the Detroit Lions placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on defensive end Cliff Avril. The move disallows Avril to become an unrestricted free agent. Avril can still negotiate with other teams once the free agent period begins March 13, but the Lions retain the right to match any offer or receive two first-round picks as compensation.

This is bad news for San Diego Chargers fans because Avril was one of the top pass-rushers scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. Now there is no chance he'll wear a Chargers uniform next season, since there's no way San Diego general manager A.J. Smith will cough up two first-round picks to acquire Avril or anyone else.

Avril recorded 11 sacks and six forced fumbles last season. He also scored two defensive touchdowns. The Lions were wise to place the franchise tag on him, as they are now well set up with a defensive line that features burgeoning talents in Avril and defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley.

In addition to Avril being taken out of consideration for the Chargers, the Indianapolis Colts came to terms on a long-term contract with defensive end Robert Mathis today. There had been speculation, most notably from U-T San Diego's Kevin Acee, that the Chargers were interested in Mathis, whose 6-2, 245-pound frame made some believe he would be an ideal fit as a pass-rushing outside linebacker in the Lighting Bolts' 3-4 scheme. Now we'll never find out.


Houston defensive end Mario Williams is still in play, since the Texans decided not to franchise him today, but it's highly unlikely that the Chargers will spend the cash required to lure the pass-rushing demon in.

With 53 career sacks, the 27-year-old Williams will undoubtedly become one of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history once he signs a contract this offseason. Standing 6-6, and impressively sculpted at 283 pounds, the two-time Pro Bowler proved he could be an effective pass-rusher from the outside linebacker position in a 3-4 scheme after defensive coordinator Wade Phillips switched him over from defensive end last year. Before suffering a season-ending torn pectoral injury, Williams collected five sacks in five weeks in 2011.

Sports Illustrated's Peter King thinks the New England Patriots should do everything in their power to sign Williams this offseason. As Chargers fans, let's hope that doesn't happen, because Williams is the missing piece to the Patriots recapturing the Vince Lombardi Trophy.