One of the Browns top free agent additions this offseason has elected to instead opt out of playing. Defensive tackle Andrew Billings was placed on the NFL’s opt-out list by the Browns on Tuesday.
Billings is the third Browns player to opt out, joining offensive linemen Drew Forbes and Drake Dorbeck. His one-year contract tolls to 2021 without penalty, per the agreement between the NFL and NFLPA that allows players to opt out in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 25-year-old nose tackle was expected to see extensive action along the revamped defensive line. Billings spent his first four seasons in Cincinnati, though he missed his rookie campaign with a torn knee ligament.
His departure leaves the Browns thin on the defensive interior behind starters Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi. Rookie Jordan Elliott and seldom-used vets Daniel Ekuale and Eli Ankou represent the current depth.
