Seahawks release Avril

Defensive end Cliff Avril was released by Seattle on Friday with a failed physical designation because of a neck

injury that cost him most of the 2017 season.

Avril’s release was expected and could mean the end of a 10-year career during which he played for the Seahawks and the Detroit Lions.

Avril was injured in Week 4 last season while trying to chase down Indianapolis quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The back of Brissett’s foot caught Avril in the chin as he lunged to make the tackle. Avril was seen shaking his arms and flexing his hands after the impact.

Though the play looked innocuous, Avril’s head snapped back violently and he suffered a neck injury. Avril did not reveal the specific diagnosis for his injury but head coach Pete Carroll repeatedly called it a serious situation. Avril had neck surgery following the season.

Avril arrived in Seattle before the 2013 season and instantly helped transform the Seahawks’ defense into one of the best in recent memory. He was part of a rotation at first but became a full-time starter

in 2014. His best season came in 2016 when Avril had a career-high 11½ sacks and was voted to the Pro Bowl for the only time in his career.

Panthers’ assistant resigns: Carolina announced that defensive backs coach Curtis Fuller resigned following an investigation into complaints of inappropriate conduct.

Fuller, 39, joined the Panthers in 2013 as a coaching assistant after playing in the NFL. The move comes with Panthers owner Jerry Richardson

still under investigation by the NFL for sexual and racial misconduct in the workplace.

Briefly: Miami claimed backup quarterback Bryce Petty a day after he was waived by the Jets . ... Minnesota signed offensive tackle Brian O’Neill, its second-round draft pick out of Pittsburgh . ... Buffalo hired Dan Morgan to become its player personnel director after Brian Gaine left to become Houston’s general manager.