After spending the first four seasons of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, Billings signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Browns earlier this year. In his four seasons in Cincinnati, the Baylor product started 37 of 47 career games with 80 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
In opting out, Billings’ contract will now toll (freeze) and he will be slated to return to the Browns on his one-year deal in 2021.
In coming to Cleveland, Billings was expected to provide depth on the Browns’ defensive line, while pushing starters Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi for playing time. In his absence, Cleveland now finds itself relying on fourth-round pick Jordan Elliott to play an increased role, with other defensive tackles on the team’s current roster also including veterans Eli Ankou and Daniel Ekuale and undrafted rookie Jeffery Whatley.
In addition to Billings’ opt out, the Browns have announced that they have placed wide receiver Ja’Marcus Bradley on the COVID-19 reserve list, which is reserved for players who have either tested positive for or been exposed to the coronavirus.