Seahawks sign Avril to contract extension

RENTON — The Seattle Seahawks are continuing efforts to keep core players from reaching free agency, signing defensive end Cliff Avril to a four-year extension on Friday worth up to $28.5 million.

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 as the Seahawks tried to keep the pair from becoming free agents after the season. NFL.com first reported the extension.

“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,” Seattle general manager John Schneider said in a statement. “He has been relentless in his approach to the game and his passion for winning is contagious.”

Avril is in his second year with Seattle after signing a two-year deal before the 2013 season. Avril has started all 14 games and has 4 1/2 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., signing a three-year deal last offseason.