CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Browns defensive tackle Andrew billings has opted out of the season and was placed on the reserve/opt out list Tuesday.
Billings is the third player to opt out of the season this year joining offensive linemen Drew Forbes and Drake Dorbeck.
“For all the guys it’s deeply personal and an individual choice,” executive vice president of football operations and general manager Andrew Berry said Tuesday in a Zoom video conference with reporters. “Suffice it to say, organizationally we support all of those guys. We understand that it’s a difficult decision.”
Billings signed a one-year deal for $3.5 million this offseason to help beef up the interior of the Browns defensive line.
“We believe in having depth along the defensive line,” Berry said. “We think we have a number of guys that are really talented players. We’ve added a number of them over the course of the spring.
“It really is going to be a next man up mentality. It’s no different than if you’re dealing with an injury in season. We have some younger players that will push for more playing time. We’re excited about that. We’re excited about the guys we have internally.”
Originally selected by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Billings has started 37 of 47 career games with 80 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
Players have until Thursday at 4 p.m. to opt out of the season and the decision is irrevocable.
“We support the three guys that have opted out so far and are looking forward to them being back with the team next year,” Berry said.
The team also placed Ja’Marcus Bradley on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Bradley joins quarterback Garrett Gilbert on the list.
Running back Dontrell Hilliard and rookie safety Jovante Moffatt were activated Tuesday from reserve/COVID-19 and punter Jamie Gillan was activated from the list on Monday.
The Browns roster is at 79.