As the NFL prepares for an estimated salary cap increase of $22 million to $26.5 million in 2026, the Chicago Bears face critical decisions in managing their roster. Among the 25 players hitting free agency soon is veteran defensive tackle Andrew Billings, whose future with the Bears appears uncertain. The Falcons’ new general manager, Ian Cunningham, may look to capitalize on this opportunity by targeting Billings.
Billings, 30, has spent the past three seasons with the Bears and returned to a starting role under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen in 2025 after recovering from a torn pectoral muscle that ended his 2024 prematurely. Though Billings contributed with six tackles for loss and five quarterback hits, his primary role has centered on run defense and creating space for linebackers rather than accumulating sacks.
Evaluating Andrew Billings’ Performance and Market Value
While Billings played all 17 games in the most recent season and made 14 starts, his effectiveness at stopping the run has been scrutinized. According to Pro Football Focus, Billings’ run defense earned a low grade of 39.0, ranking him 116th among 134 qualifying defensive linemen. This underperformance might prompt Bears general manager Ryan Poles to explore other options at defensive tackle through either the draft or free agency.
Market estimates place Billings’ value at a two-year contract worth around $5 million, averaging $2.5 million per year, which some view as high for a defender with inconsistent run-stopping capabilities. Nevertheless, the Falcons might find this investment worthwhile given their defensive needs.
Falcons’ Defensive Needs and Salary Cap Position
The Falcons operate a 3-4 defensive scheme under head coach Jeff Ulbrich, a system that could better suit Billings’ skill set. Atlanta’s defensive line struggled against the run in the past season, surrendering the ninth-most rushing yards per game at 126.2 and ranking eighth in yards allowed per carry (4.6).
With an anticipated $26.4 million in cap space for 2026, Atlanta appears positioned to pursue Billings aggressively. Strengthening the defensive tackle spot could address one of the Falcons’ key defensive weaknesses. Given this situation, the Falcons are in a strong position to challenge the Bears in signing Billings.
Possible Moves for the Bears Amid Free Agency Challenges
If the Falcons offer a competitive contract close to Billings’ projected market value, Chicago might decide against retaining him and instead target other defensive linemen. Alternatives such as Roy Lopez or Cameron Jordan—who has experience with Dennis Allen—could represent more reliable options for the Bears moving forward.
With Ian Cunningham’s recent hiring as Atlanta’s general manager and his familiarity with Billings from their time in Chicago, the possibility of losing Billings to the Falcons in free agency adds to the Bears’ offseason uncertainties. This situation underscores the delicate balance the Bears must strike between retaining current players and upgrading their roster under salary cap constraints.
