Cliff Avril: Released with failed physical

Avril (neck) was released by the Seahawks with a failed physical designation Friday, John Boyle of the team's official site reports.

Avril sustained a severe neck injury last October that's put his playing career in question, making Seattle's decision to part ways unsurprising. A key piece of a Seahawks unit that led the NFL in scoring defense from 2013 to 2015, Avril racked up 130 tackles and 34.5 sacks during his five seasons with the team. Along with Richard Sherman (49ers) and Michael Bennett (Eagles), Avril is the third big-name player to depart the Seahawks defense this offseason.