Sept. 9, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Jason Jones (90) reacts to the official during the fourth quarter against Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Hilderbrand-USA TODAY Sports

The Lions signed Jason Jones as a free agent and Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press has reported that Jones will take over the left defensive end position previously held by Avril.

That is an interesting tidbit considering Avril and Jones are not interchangeable pieces. Two inches taller and 20 pounds heavier, Jones has the ability to line up inside while Avril was strictly a speed pass rusher.

What’s even more interesting is what the change in personnel means for the Lions and their use of the much-debated wide nine. Jones’ arrival as the new left defensive end suggests we’ll see more traditional four-man defensive fronts from the Lions next season. In fact, Birkett has a quote from Schwartz that indicates Avril’s presence may have been the largest factor in the team’s use of the wide nine in the past:

“I think his (Jones) talents sort of stand alone,” Schwartz said. “And it’s more about just putting the players that we have in position to be able to make plays. We couldn’t do that with Cliff. That didn’t fit his skill set.

“We put Cliff in what we thought was the best position for him to be effective and for him to help us. It didn’t necessarily put Nick Fairley or Ndamukong Suh in the best position. But that’s coaching. You just try to put guys in the best position that they can do.”

The Lions did what they thought they had to do to be successful overall, even if it wasn’t in the best interest of some other individual players. That’s a shockingly honest statement from a head coach who usually keeps information under lock and key. It also goes to show why the Lions, and apparently no one else, was willing to break the bank on a new deal for Avril.

Initially it seemed that Willie Young might be poised to take over Avril’s spot. The Lions tendered him at the second-round level rather than original round – a sure sign they had big plans for him and didn’t want to risk another team stepping in with just a seventh round pick as compensation standing in the way. While Young is surely still in line for an increased role, it still may be as a situational pass rusher since he is not well-suited to take over for Vanden Bosch. Lawrence Jackson remains a free agent and would be a better fit considering his ability to play right defensive end and his familiarity with the team.

Jackson is just one option but it is clear the Lions still have a hole to fill at defensive end opposite Jones. Perhaps it will be another free agent or even a rookie. But at this point it sounds like whoever will start at right defensive end for the Lions is not currently on the roster.

Dec. 16, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril (92) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Lions 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Take a look at any list of NFL free agent rankings and Cliff Avril’s name will be prominently mentioned among the very best. However, it seems other value Avril more highly than the Lions to the point they are fully comfortable with letting Avril test the free agent market, likely resulting in a deal the Lions have no interest in attempting to match.

A report earlier in the week said the Cleveland Browns would make a big push for Avril. In the early going, a total of four teams are showing interest.

Four #NFL teams are highly #Lions DE Cliff Avril, according to sources. Not sure if Detroit is on that list yet.

— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) March 9, 2013

While the Lions’ interest is not known at this point, it would seem unlikely they would suddenly get involved at the stroke of midnight having spent the earlier portion of the offseason not actively engaged in talks with Avril. If they weren’t then, why suddenly jump in at the first moment other teams get the chance to make a pitch to his agent?

What is more likely is that the Lions will remain passive until the market for Avril has developed. At that point they can weigh the cost in the context of their overall salary cap situation and roster-building plan.

I still find it hard to see a scenario in which Avril returns to the Lions. What do you think?

Oct 28, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Seattle Seahawks tackle Breno Giacomini (68) and Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril (92) battle for position during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

After designating Avril with the franchise tag last year, the Lions have not made a big effort to work towards a long-term deal this year after deciding against using the franchise tag again.

Popular opinion says the Lions would welcome Avril back, but only at a price they are comfortable with and that is very likely to be a price lower than what someone else is willing to pony up.

Teams can start talking with free agents on Saturday but the Cleveland Plain-Dealer is reporting that the Browns plan to pursue Avril, along with the Baltimore Ravens’ Paul Kruger. From the P-D report:

Avril, a defensive end, will also be a hot ticket come Tuesday. But the Browns might have the inside track, because their new defensive line coach Joe Cullen helped draft Avril, 26, in Detroit in 2008 and developed him as a rookie. That season, Avril led all rookies with six sacks and four forced fumbles.

Franchised by the Lions last season for almost $11 million a year, Avril, the former third-round pick out of Purdue, has averaged nearly 10 sacks a year over the past three seasons, including 9.5 in 2012 and 11 in 2011. Avril (6-3, 252) could play outside linebacker in Ray Horton‘s 3-4, multi-front scheme.

The Browns would be an interesting landing spot for Avril, especially since the Lions will make a trip to Cleveland next season.