It may not be the contract announcement most figured could be subsequent, however the Chicago Bears bought a deal finished Thursday.
Nose deal with Andrew Billings signed a two-year, $8.5 million contract extension, which means the run stuffer shall be with the group by means of the 2025 season.
“We’re extremely excited to be able to keep Andrew in Chicago,” normal supervisor Ryan Poles stated in an announcement. “The professionalism, dependability and toughness he brings to our defense exhibit the type of player we want in our organization.”
Poles indicated confidence Wednesday in his potential to signal newly acquired defensive finish Montez Sweat to an extension, and he additionally spoke at size concerning the negotiating course of with cornerback Jaylon Johnson. Those stay front-burner points, however re-upping with Billings ensures an enormous a part of this season’s defensive enchancment will stay in place.
Billings’ presence has been one key motive coach Matt Eberflus’ protection has improved dramatically towards the run. The Bears ranked thirty first within the league a 12 months in the past, after they surrendered a franchise-record 2,674 dashing yards (157.3 per sport). They enter Week 9 ranked third versus the run, permitting solely 78.8 yards per sport.
The Bears signed Billings to a one-year, $2.75 million contract in free company, and he stated just a few weeks in the past that he was comfy with the state of affairs and will see himself staying with the Bears. The group approached him about beginning talks on an extension just a few weeks again, and the deal was finalized Wednesday and signed after conferences Thursday morning.
“I came here for a reason,” Billings, 28, stated. “I was happy with the first deal. It was a surprise and just all good things.”
Billings will be capable of go well with up for a similar group in consecutive seasons for the primary time since his first 4 years within the league with the Cincinnati Bengals (2016-19).
He signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2020 however opted out due to COVID-19. The Browns minimize him free in 2021, and he hopped across the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs apply squads earlier than taking part in for the Las Vegas Raiders final season.
“It’s really special,” he stated. “It’s Year 8 for me. Just being able to settle down, it’s something I’ve been working for my whole career.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com