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Cleveland Browns: 3 Free agent defensive tackles to replace Andrew Billings

By Randy Gurzi

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 22: Defensive tackle Damon Harrison Sr. #98 of the Detroit Lions walks on the field before a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on December 22, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Lions 27-17. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 22: Defensive tackle Damon Harrison Sr. #98 of the Detroit Lions walks on the field before a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on December 22, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Lions 27-17. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 13: Andrew Billings #99 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

With Andrew Billings out, the Cleveland Browns could go the FA route

The Cleveland Browns were dealt some tough news on Tuesday as they found out they would be without Andrew Billings, one of their projected starters at defensive tackle.

Billings signed a one-year deal with the Browns this offseason and was expected to start at the nose tackle spot. However, that won’t happen as he’s reportedly opted out of the 2020 season apparently due to concerns over COVID-19.

Mary Kay Cabot had the story and says Billings is the third Cleveland player to opt out along with Drew Forbes and Drake Dorbeck.

"“Defensive tackle Andrew Billings became the third Browns player to opted out for the 2020 season, the club announced Tuesday. He did so presumably for concerns over COVID-19, and the decision is irrevocable. The other two were guard Drew Forbes and undrafted offensive tackle Drake Dorbeck.” — Cabot, Cleveland.com"

With Billings out, the Browns suddenly have much less depth on the defensive line. Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi were the starters in 2019 and will likely remain in these roles but without Billings, the top backup will be rookie Jordan Elliott.

There’s still plenty of talent there but they were also hopeful that Billings would allow them to improve upon their suspect run defense from a season ago. With that no longer being an option, they might want to hit the free agency market and see who is available to fill Billings’ big shoes.

Thankfully for the Browns, there are some potential options for them, and we will look at three of those players here.

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