Technically, the league year doesn’t start for a few more weeks.
However, players who were released or free agents when the season ended are eligible to sign now.
That being said, the Las Vegas Raiders are getting a head start on everyone else.
They’ve decided to sign former Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Andrew Billings.
.@BillingsAndrew 🤝@Raiders #LegendsLiveHere #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/0uFgSxij8O
— SportsTrust Advisors (@_SportsTrust) February 28, 2022
The 26-year-old is looking for a new start after a rough showing with the Browns.
Hopefully, a move to Las Vegas will help jumpstart his career.
What Happened To Billings?
The Baylor product was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Billings became a full-time starter during his second professional season.
He put together back-to-back successful seasons in Cincinnati before leaving the Bengals.
In 2020, Billings signed with the Browns, but decided to opt-out of the season due to COVID-19 concerns.
A year later, Billings returned to the Browns, but nowhere near the same player.
He was reportedly out of shape and failed to make an impact with Cleveland.
Billings played in six games for the Browns in 2021 and finished with one combined tackle.
Unsurprisingly, Billings was released by the Browns in November after failing to impress the organization.
#Browns activate rookie LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah from injured reserve. He’ll play tomorrow.
DT Andrew Billings released.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) November 13, 2021
After being released, Billings joined the Miami Dolphins practice squad.
He later joined the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad during the playoffs.
Despite a terrible showing in 2021, Billings was able to land a new organization fairly quickly.
Hopefully, Billings is in better shape than he was in Cleveland and can help the Raiders next season.
Browns Defensive Line
Obviously, the signing of Billings never worked out for the Browns.
In fact, the Browns have struggled to find any reliable help on the defensive line lately.
They decided to let go of both Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi last offseason.
A move that could potentially haunt the Browns for years to come.
The only positive from the Browns’ defensive line last season was the performance of Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney.
However, the organization hasn’t been able to find consistent help from the defensive tackle spot.
The hope is that general manager Andrew Berry will address that issue this offseason.
The Browns cannot afford another Billings mistake and need to bring in legitimate help at the tackle spot soon.
NEXT: 2 Browns Players Who Need To Show Improvement In 2022
