The Steelers may need to sign a player from the AFC North to augment the defensive line
The career of Andrew Billings, the former 2016 fourth-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals, has been essentially nondescript. Billings has managed a paltry 3.5 sacks in three seasons with the Bengals. That’s pretty underwhelming; however, is that a product of the defensive scheme deployed by the Bengals or is that a testament to the type of player Billings is?
Because I fully expect the Steelers to lose Javon Hargrave, our third-round pick in the 2016 draft, in free agency; we will need to replace him. My hope is that Dan McCullers, who stands 6′ 7″ and is listed at 352 lbs, could assume the starting DT or NT (Nose Tackle) role, but, honestly, he has not really shined yet and may never become a starter on defense.
Billings, who is listed at 6′ 1″ and 328 lbs, could actually have a more traditional frame to play DT in the Steelers 3-4 base than Hargrave, but Billings simply has not been as productive as Hargrave has been. Similar to Bucannon; however, a change of scenery may tap the yet untapped potential Billings possesses.
So why would the Steelers want to sing Billings if he has not been very productive in his career? Because he is the type of player the Steelers typically target in free agency. Someone with potential and will probably not garner a huge contract.
Let’s wrap up this particular discussion, shall we?