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The Cleveland Browns have reportedly signed defensive tackle Andrew Billings.
The deal is reportedly for one year with a $3.5 million guarantee, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:
The #Browns are giving DT Andrew Billings a 1-year deal worth $3.5M fully guaranteed, source said. Some heft on their defensive line from someone they’ve played against twice a year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 19, 2020
Billings was a fourth-round selection by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2016 NFL Draft. He missed his rookie season after suffering a knee injury in training camp, but has played in 47 games over the past three seasons, while making 37 starts.
Excited for this next chapter @Browns! https://t.co/5J8vmSArwJ
— Andrew Billings (@BillingsAndrew) March 19, 2020
During his time with the Bengals, Billings posted 80 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
John Sheeran at Cincy Jungle took a look at Billings’ work following the Bengals Week 3 game in 2019 against the Buffalo Bills:
Brad Gagnon at Bleacher Report also highlighted Billings as an “under the radar” free agent due to his size (6-foot-1 and 328 pounds) and age:
The 2016 fourth-round pick’s career statistics (80 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hits) don’t stand out, but he’s a massive run-stuffer who takes up a ton of space and has plenty of tread on his tires after an injury and a general lack of playing time limited his wear and tear in 2016 and 2017. And he only turned 25 on March 6.
Given how poorly the backups along the defensive line performed for the Browns last season, Billings should have a legitimate shot at finding a place in the defensive tackle rotation behind starters Larry Ogunjobi and Sheldon Richardson.