Last year, Andrew Billings ended up as one of the most important players on the Chicago Bears.
He was coming off an excellent 2023 campaign that made him look like one of the better additions of the Ryan Poles era. The team extended Billings in a no-brainer decision, and he entered 2024 with expectations of taking on the most significant role of his career.
Chicago Bears most important players in 2025: Number 23 – Andrew Billings
Billings was pacing toward a career high in snaps through eight games, but a torn pectoral ended his season and cost him the final nine games. In response, the defense fell apart.
Other factors, such as the Hail Mary moment that turned players against each other and the coaching staff, were already destabilizing the unit. But the loss of Billings poured gas on the fire. It became clear the Bears could not stop the run without him.
This year, the team will still need him in run defense, but they are no longer completely reliant on him. They added Grady Jarrett and Shemar Turner through free agency and the draft. The veteran Jarrett can play every down and complement Gervon Dexter, which should take immense pressure off Billings.
Turner is more of a pass rusher who needs to bulk up to become a complete player. That works well alongside Billings, who remains the most reliable run defender in the group. The team has gone from needing him on every snap to being able to pick their spots and use him where he is best.
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Asking less of him might allow the Bears to get even more. In this reduced role, Billings has a real chance to live up to his contract and make a serious impact on early downs. He may not be in the top 20, but his value is clearly top 25.