Bears sign DT Andrew Billings to one-year deal

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweets that Billings will be getting a one-year deal worth $3.5M. The contract includes $2.4M in guaranteed money.

Billings opted out of the 2020 season and got into only six games with the Browns in 2021 before getting cut. He caught on with the Raiders last offseason and had his strongest showing since 2019. The defensive lineman ultimately started all 14 of his appearances, compiling 39 tackles and one sack. Pro Football Focus gave him high marks for his 2022 performance, ranking him 16th among 127 qualifying interior defenders.

The likes of Justin Jones, Mike Pennel and Angelo Blackson didn’t rank nearly as high among interior defenders, so Billings should provide a temporary upgrade. The Bears have been busy adding to their defense this offseason, signing linebacker T.J. Edwards, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker.