The Browns aren’t the only 3-4 team interested in 4-3 defensive end Cliff Avril.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, multiple 3-4 teams will pursue Avril, with the idea of making him an outside linebacker. The Cleveland connection is obvious, given that former Lions defensive line coach Joe Cullen now works for the Browns.
But here’s the reality. The best defensive ends in the 4-3 make more than the best linebackers in the 3-4. So if Avril is going to become a linebacker in the 3-4, teams will have to be creative.
Other 3-4 teams that may be interested in Avril aren’t known. Other 3-4 teams with the cap space to get something done include the Colts, who won’t be re-signing the former 4-3 defensive end they converted to a linebacker in 2012.