Browns defensive tackle Andrew Billings opts out for 2020 season
Browns defensive tackle Andrew Billings has opted out for the 2020 season presumably because of COVID-19 concerns, the club announced Tuesday.
Billings was signed as a free agent in March to a one-year contract worth $3.5 million. He was to be part of the defensive tackle rotation, along with Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi. The Browns also drafted Jordan Elliott in the third round out of Missouri, and this will mean more of an opportunity for him.
The Browns will also look for depth on the defensive line in the wake of this news.
According to profootballfocus.com, Billings’ 69.3 defensive grade in 2019 placed him T-50th among 126 defensive tackles with qualifying snaps.
Billings’ decision is irrevocable. He’s the third Browns player to opt out. Guard Drew Forbes and tackle Drake Dorbeck did so last week. In addition, the club placed WR Ja’Marcus Bradley on reserve/COVID-19.
Players have until Thursday at 4 p.m. to opt out for the season. In regards to COVID-19, they can opt out for a high-risk medical reason or voluntarily. The high-risk players receive a $350,000 stipend and the voluntary players receive a $150,000 stipend for 2020.
Originally selected by the Bengals in the fourth round in 2016, Billings has started 37 of 47 career games with 80 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
In addition to opting out for COVID-19 concerns, any player may opt out of participating in the 2020 NFL season for any reason. The player must provide the club with written notice of his election to opt out.