Lions likely to turn attention to re-signing LB Tulloch

Lions officials will continue to negotiate with franchise-tagged DE Cliff Avril over a long-term deal, but expect those talks to idle before free-agency begins. Detroit's use of the tag on Avril means LB Stephen Tulloch will be allowed to enter free-agency. Tulloch was Detroit's leading tackler in 2011, so Detroit will likely focus on retaining him in the time before the free agent market opens.