Bears sign DT Billings to 2-year, $8.5 million contract extension

The Bears have signed defensive tackle Andrew Billings to a two-year contract extension worth up to $8.5 million. The contract is worth $6 million in guaranteed money, according to reports from ESPN and the NFL Network.

Billings, 28, signed with the Bears during free agency last spring. He has been instrumental in improving the Bears' run defense. The Bears defense currently ranks third in the NFL in rushing, allowing just 78.8 rushing yards per game, and ranks first in yards per carry (3.26).

At 6-foot-1, 311 pounds, Billings has been a stout run stopper for a defense that was badly in need of one after last season. He has started all eight games this season and has totaled 14 tackles, three tackles for loss and one QB hit.

Billings now will be with the Bears through the 2025 season. For a player who bounced around five other teams over seven years before landing in Chicago in 2023, this provides him with security over the next several years.

"I came here for a reason," Billings said. "I was happy with the first deal, so [the extension] was just a surprise. It was all a good thing."

Defensive end DeMarcus Walker knows how instrumental Billings has been to that improved run defense.

"Everyone has a story in this locker room," Walker said. "Just to see the attitude we have for stopping the run. Three yards per carry, that's first in the league and third in rushing. That's definitely our demeanor every single week, is making sure that, first of all, you got to stop the run and you got to earn the right to rush the passer. Shoutout to Andrew Billings, man. Seriously. Shoutout to that guy."