After salvaging the defensive line, the Chicago Bears could make defensive tackle Andrew Billings available on the trade block. According to Bleacher Report, the future doesn’t look bright for Billings, despite him making promising strides with the Bears for the past two seasons, recording a high total of tackles in his first year with them, but that all came to an end due to injury last year. Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the former Baylor product began his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, but couldn’t find any type of production since injuries were catching up to him back then as well.
Billings has been a journeyman for most of his career, and it looks like this might be the case for him before the 2025 campaign if the Bears are confident enough to move forward without him. The biggest implication for Billings is the future of 2023 draft pick Gervon Dexter and a veteran in Grady Jarrett, whom the Bears praised on multiple occasions. The Bears weren’t done getting more defensive linemen, so they got Dayo Odeyingbo to streamline this entire trenches unit. However, Billings is still a capable clogger when he stays healthy, and even if the Bears don’t get the best investment in return if they make him available, the team could trade him anyway.
Report: Former Bengal Andrew Billings Could Be On Trade Block – Top 5 Fits
Possible Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys made several additions to salvage their defensive line, including pass-rushers. Jack Sanborn, Dante Fowler Jr. and Kenneth Murray are just one of the several acquisitions this offseason, but Solomon Thomas coming in doesn’t bring much promising strides to the defensive line. Just like Mazi Smith, he will need to prove that he can make an impact. The Cowboys won’t lose anything if they trade for another big body like Billings, and he could be a worthy interior lineman alongside Osa Odighizuwa.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers are in dire need of some new life since they lost Poona Ford this offseason. He was their best interior lineman, and the pressure is on Jim Harbaugh to find a replacement, which is surprising they haven’t found one, considering their cap space. Da’Shawn Hand and extended Bud Dupree won’t be able to anchor this entire line, so they need someone like Billings to provide some relief behind Teair Tart.
New Orleans Saints
However, the New Orleans Saints will likely lean on the defense to win most of their games. They’ve already got Davon Goxchaux to salvage the middle of the defensive line, but they could use another man to rotate the snaps. Nathan Shepard probably won’t be on the same level as Cameron Jordan, so Billings might be worth the Saints’ cap space depleting as a big body guy to ram the offensive line.
Baltimore Ravens
Last season, the Ravens didn’t have the same stellar defensive trenches unit. After losing Jadeveon Clowney, the team was struggling to get any type of life. With Travis Jones and Broderick Washington still on the roster, Billings might be the better upgrade in this situation despite the team signing John Jenkins.
Carolina Panthers
While the Panthers have been salvaging the defense finally after the acquisition of Tershawn Wharton, they could use more work in the middle. Even with signing Bobby Brown, he doesn’t provide much of a spark or anything. Billings is arguably better built to help open up the lanes for Wharton and Derrick Brown.
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