The Bears have a pair of notable extensions to work on, but another priority has been taken care of. The team announced on Thursday that defensive tackle Andrew Billings has signed a two-year extension. 
As a result of the move, Billings will remain on the books through 2025. The 28-year-old joined Chicago this offseason on a one-year deal worth up to $3.5MM. He will see a raise on this latest pact, however; Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports the deal has a maximum value of $8.5MM with $6MM guaranteed.
Billings has proven to be an effective member of the Bears’ defensive interior, posting 14 tackles (three for loss) and one quarterback hit so far. PFF has credited him with 14 pressures, making him one of the more disruptive members of an otherwise underwhelming Chicago D-line. The former fourth-rounder has also provided a veteran presence to a DT group which includes rookies Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens.
As a result, Billings will receive an extended look in the Windy City. The Baylor alum spent three seasons in Cincinnati to start his career before opting out of the 2020 season. He has also had one-year stints with the Browns and Raiders, while spending time on the Dolphins’ and Chiefs’ practice squadx. Billings has played a signficant role in Chicago’s success against the run this season (the team ranks third in the league, allowing 79 yards per game on the ground), though, and he has been rewarded with multi-year security as a result.
“We’re extremely excited to be able to keep Andrew in Chicago,” general manager Ryan Poles said in a statement. “The professionalism, dependability and toughness he brings exhibit the type of player we want in our organization.”
Chicago has work to do on an extension for newly-acquired defensive end Montez Sweat, and the team’s decision to retain cornerback Jaylon Johnson leaves them in search of an agreement on a new contract in the near future as well. Regardless of what happens on those fronts, Billings’ future has now received clarity.
Yep this is what all Bears fans were looking for. Super Bowl 2024.
Oops- Super Bowl 2025. My bad. I put in for my reservation.
I always have reservations about the Bears.
Everything does not have to be a negative. Signing a well performing player for an average value contract while rewarding their production and value with an extra season and some guarantees helps the clubhouse and with prospective FAs. It takes all 53.
We’re certainly looking for more than that of course, but I was certainly hoping they’d keep Billings. He’s really helped their run defense
I need some help from somebody who might know. I know about the Franchise Tag, That you can only use 1 per year. But there used to be another kind of tag that you could use that wasn’t as restrictive as the franchise tag. Do they still have that? What’s it called and could the Bears possibly use one on Sweat and one on Johnson? I heard Johnson wants the same money Diggs got from the Cowboys. He’s led the league in INT’s and Johnson had 1 in three years and has been way less durable. But Diggs has had the best Pass Rush in the NFL and Johnson the worst so how do you figure that in? They were drafted right next to each other so……. Inquiring minds still want to know.
Young and Sweaty.
I think your referring to the Transition Tag…and I’d assume the Bears would try this with Johnson. Takes average salary of top 10 at the position verses Top 5 like the franchise then also gives the Bears the first right to not match his offer sheet from another team. A good way to gauge his value around the league and not outbid yourself.
The Bears did this with Fuller.
They also used it on Brian Robinson(DT) in the late 90s or early 2000s
Word is he is buying his name city in Montana.
It would cost him less in Missouri
This at least was a sound move by Bears brass. Billings has played above average at the 1-tech. Hope he can convince Sweat to stay in Chicago!