6 free-agent defensive tackles the Vikings could sign in 2020
By Dean Jones
Andrew Billings
Andrew Billings is a very good nose tackle who has stood out for the Cincinnati Bengals in recent years.
He will turn 25-years-old in March, so he could still have the best years of his career ahead of him. Although he only recorded 35 total tackles and a sack for a dismal Cincinnati defense last season, Billings was another very useful asset for their run-stopping efforts and he is sure to be a coveted free agent this offseason.
The former fourth-round pick made just $720,000 last year, the last of his rookie deal. Even though this amount should skyrocket in free agency the Vikings should be able to afford a player of Billings’ caliber if sacrifices are made elsewhere.
Minnesota will essentially be looking for the same level of production that they got from Linval Joseph at a fraction of the cost. Billings is a definite candidate for this and he may even thrive to greater heights in a better defensive system like Minnesota’s with a wealth of Pro Bowl-caliber players.
Billings could be franchise tagged by Cincinnati to keep him on the roster, but star receiver A.J. Green could be a candidate for this as well. This becomes more essential when one considers the organization is going to need weapons for predicted 2020 NFL Draft No. 1 pick, Joe Burrow, from LSU.