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Defensive end Cliff Avril, who was has emerged as part of a dynamic duo on the Detroit Lions front four alongside Ndamukong Suh, picked a perfect year to have a career season. The fourth-year veteran and former third round draft pick racked up 11 sacks and six forced fumbles in the final year of his contract, meaning that he could cash in on a big payday if he reaches unrestricted free agency next month.

The Lions desperately want to keep Avril, but have to weigh his on-field value with their budgetary restrictions, which are considerable as they head into a make-or-break offseason. The team enjoyed its best season in over a decade in 2011 and want to bring back the same nucleus, but with Calvin Johnson entering the final year of his rookie deal and due to have a $20M+ cap hit, working out a long-term deal for him will take a higher precedent than finalizing one for Avril. And with free agency due to begin on March 13, there may not be enough time to get multi-year contracts in place for both.

As such, the Lions could use their franchise tag on Avril, guaranteeing him a one-year deal for between $10-11 million, but that is something they are loathe to do. For starters, if a long-term deal can’t be worked out, it would a significant overpayment for a player who has only had one above average season in four years. And while it would only be a one-year commitment, Detroit desperately wants to improve upon last season’s 10-6 record and 6th seed, and franchising Avril would severely hamper other moves that they want to make, such as upgrading their linebacking corps or secondary.

But at the same time, trying to replace a pass rusher of Avril’s potential would be even tougher, so there is a very good chance that the Lions will simply bite the bullet and move forward with the tag.