DT Andrew Billings is the Kind of Under the Radar Signing the Browns Needed

With trades and signings now dropping at a steady clip around the NFL, some of the most reasomable acquisitions in the National Foootball League have run the risk of going unnoticed. For the Cleveland Browns in particular, their addition of defensive tackle Andrew Billings is not to be underestimated.

Billings suffered a season-ending injury in training camp in 2016, but his last three seasons have been marked by consistency. At only 24 years old, he didn't missed a game for the Cincinnati Bengals these last two seasons, making 31 out 32 possible starts. Heading into 2020, he's precisely the kind of guy for the Browns defense needs to bolster the ranks.

Billings is a textbook gap-stuffer that won't break the bank. While he won't blow anyone away on the stat sheet, a Cleveland team that has already lost Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey in the middle of the defense won't suffer from extra help up front.

And not for nothing, the Browns have spent the last two years making major splashes for famous names. How's that worked out for them? Making a big-money move forJason Peters in free agency or Trent Williams via trade would feel similarly misguided and risky.

Billings, while far from a star, was Pro Football Focus' No. 46 interior defensive lineman in 2019 despite playing for the single worst team in the league. He's got a chance to spread his wings in a place like Cleveland.

Andrew Billings is the kind of mid-level guy that can help the Browns build themselves up the right way. He won't be making national headlines with this signing, but he has a chance to be a steady producer -- something this team profoundly needs after such a disappointing season.