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The Seattle Seahawks have signed pass-rusher Cliff Avril to a four-year extension, the team announced Friday afternoon. The deal is worth $28.5 million, with $16 million guaranteed, a source confirmed to ESPN's John Clayton.  Avril's deal comes a day after the Seahawks signed linebacker K.J. Wright to a four-year extension worth $27 million. Avril and Wright were two of Seattle's priorities. "Cliff has been instrumental in what we've been building on the defensive side of the ball and we are excited that he'll be with us for another four years," said executive vice president and general manager John Schneider. "He has been relentless in his approach to the game and his passion for winning is contagious. This is another great day for the Seahawks and the 12s." Avril is in his second year with Seattle after signing a two-year deal before the 2013 season. He has started all 14 games and has 4½ sacks this season. He had eight sacks last year playing in more of a rotation on Seattle's defensive line. While his sack numbers are down this season, Avril's success in pressuring the quarterback has increased. He's already exceeded last year's total in quarterback hits and combined with Michael Bennett to help the Seahawks' pass rush improve throughout the season. Seattle had a season-high six sacks last week against San Francisco. The Seahawks have 16 sacks in the past four games. They had 13 sacks in their first 10 games. The Seahawks have now locked up several of their core players for the future. Strong safety Kam Chancellor was first before the start of the 2013 season. All-Pros Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman and wide receiver Doug Baldwin were all extended following Seattle's title last season. Bennett also chose to stay with Seattle, signing a three-year deal last offseason. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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