Finally, a Chicago Bears defensive standout is getting an extension.
It isn’t pass rusher Montez Sweat. And it isn’t cornerback Jaylon Johnson. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a notable new deal for a quality Bears defender.
Brad Biggs of the Tribune had the scoop of defensive tackle Andrew Billings is getting an extension from the Bears. And now, it’s officially official:
This is a modest new deal for Billings, who gets two years tacked on to his existing contract. Biggs doesn’t dish on the financial aspect just yet, but points out that Billings was signed to a relative bargain (1-year, $2.75 million) this offseason and has been an anchor on this defense. (UPDATE: ESPN’s Adam Schefter has it as a two-year, $8.5 million deal with $6 million guaranteed).
Pro Football Focus has Billings as their 32nd-ranked interior defensive lineman this season. Considering that 125 players have played enough snaps to qualify, I’d consider Billings to be in great standing among his peers. And not just because his 68.1 overall grade ranks higher than other standout interior defenders such as Jonathan Allen (67.6), Fletcher Cox (67,1), and Daron Payne (65.7).
“We’re extremely excited to be able to keep Andrew in Chicago,” Bears GM Ryan Poles said, via the team’s official website. “The professionalism, dependability and toughness he brings exhibit the type of player we want in our organization.”
Billings, 28, doesn’t have any sacks just yet, but has 14 total tackles, 3 tackles-for-loss, 1 quarterback hit, and that aforementioned top-35 grade from Pro Football Focus. A lot of the stuff Billings does doesn’t show up in box scores. But his impact has been felt in raising the profile of a Bears rush defense that was a different level of awful last year. With that being said, I’m happy to keep him around for another two years. That veteran presence could be helpful on the field and with the development of youngsters Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens
We’ll add to this post later when we get some more details. In the meantime, the Bears might as well keep the pens and checkbooks out for Jaylon Johnson and Montez Sweat.