The Seattle Seahawks have released their defensive end Cliff Avril on Friday with a failed physical designation because of a neck injury which cost him most of the last year season. Avril’s release was an expected one, and likely means the end of his ten-year-long career. Avril was considered as one of the most amazing players for the Seahawks and the Detroit Lions.
Avril injured his neck in Week 4 last year in a game on October 1 while he tried to chase down Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The back portion of Brisset’s foot hit Avril’s chin as he dived to make the tackle. After the impact, Avril was seen flexing and shaking his hands. The blow was so hard that it snapped Avril’s head which caused the neck injury.
Although Avril did not reveal the diagnosis of the injury, Coach Pete Carroll was seen calling it a serious situation. After the injury, Avril underwent neck surgery. Avril is very popular in the Seahawks’ locker room and Seattle as well for being a good guy overall as he always stands for the right things and says the right stuff and is considered as a person one can always count on. His teammates like Frank Clark have remained to be scared of Avril’s injury and situation.
According to the NFL collective bargaining agreement, releasing Avril from the team with a failed physical designation entitles him to a $1.15 million payment for the current year due to a debilitating injury. But this does not count the $6 million 2018 salary cap which Seattle will save for releasing Avril.
However, the Seahawks will have to face the challenge of replacing Avril’s position with another productive standout from a defense which already saw the departure of Richard Sherman and Michael Bennett earlier in this season.
