Andrew Billings, the Chicago Bears defensive tackle who quickly gained popularity after joining the team in 2023, faces an unclear future with the franchise as free agency unfolds. Despite his contributions over three seasons, recent roster moves suggest the Bears may be shifting away from Billings, placing uncertainty on his return for the 2026 season.
Billings’ Status as a Free Agent and Team Shifts
Billings entered free agency this offseason, but current developments indicate his chances of re-signing with the Bears might be slim. Chicago made a significant defensive acquisition by signing former Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Neville Gallimore to a two-year contract worth $12 million. Although this signing does not entirely rule out bringing Billings back, it marks a clear change in the Bears’ defensive tackle strategy.
After three seasons in Chicago, Billings has compiled 71 tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble across 42 games. He was also honored as the team’s 2025 recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award, an accolade that recognizes players who demonstrate courage, compassion, commitment, and community service. General Manager Ryan Poles praised Billings, stating,
“The professionalism, dependability and toughness he brings exhibits the type of player we want in our organization.”
However, Billings struggled in 2025, earning a low Pro Football Focus grade of 38.7, ranking near the bottom among defensive linemen, with just 12 pressures, which fell short during a season when interior defense needed improvement.
The addition of Gallimore is just the initial move to revamp the defensive tackle group, leaving Billings’ role uncertain. There remains a possibility the Bears could negotiate a short-term, affordable contract to retain Billings as a depth player.
Chicago’s Prospects for Defensive Tackle Help in the Draft
With the top defensive tackle talents largely unavailable on the free-agent market, the Bears are expected to focus on acquiring defensive line talent through the 2026 NFL Draft. Pete Martuneac, writing for Chicago Bears SI, recently projected the Bears selecting Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald in the first round.
Martuneac emphasized McDonald’s reliability over potential upside, writing,
“McDonald doesn’t have as high a ceiling as some of the other top defensive line prospects in this year’s draft class, but I think he’s the safest one.”
He added,
“He is more likely, in my opinion, to live up to his pre-draft projections than, say, Peter Woods or Caleb Banks, and the Bears are still in a position where they can’t afford to whiff with their first-round pick. He may not bring much as a pass rusher right away, but some coaching up could eventually make McDonald a threat in this area. However, he would immediately be the Bears’ best run stuffer, and that can’t be overlooked.”
Other top defensive tackle prospects highlighted by ESPN draft analysts include Clemson’s Peter Woods, Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter, Florida’s Caleb Banks, Georgia’s Christen Miller, and Oklahoma’s Gracen Halton. Should the Bears pass on a defensive tackle in the opening round, later-round sleepers such as Domonique Orange, Skyler Gill-Howard, Zane Durant, and David Gusta are considered potential targets.
The draft strategy, combined with recent free agency transactions, reflects Chicago’s intent to revitalize the defensive tackle position with fresh talent, possibly moving beyond Billings’ role on the roster.
Implications for Billings and the Bears Defense
Andrew Billings’ uncertain status highlights broader challenges for the Bears defense as the team searches for consistency along the interior line. Billings has been recognized for his resilience and community involvement, but on-field struggles in 2025 coincide with the Bears’ efforts to upgrade the defensive tackle spot. The signing of Gallimore and plans to use the draft for reinforcements suggest the organization is focused on reshaping its defensive front to better protect against both the run and pass.
Moving forward, Billings’ future will likely depend on whether the Bears decide to maintain him as a rotational player or allow him to explore opportunities elsewhere. For Chicago, this reflects a pivotal offseason phase where roster decisions will impact their defensive identity in 2026 and beyond.
Bears DT Andrew Billings is the team's 2025 recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award, which honors the longtime NFL athletic trainer by selecting a player from each franchise who embodies "courage, compassion, commitment and community service."
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) March 10, 2026
ANDREW BILLINGS 2025 MVP. WE WILL BE THERE. pic.twitter.com/T6FDXucCsC
— Bearsszn (@bearszn) June 3, 2025
