Arizona Cardinals Add Veteran DT Andrew Billings as Defensive Shake-Up Continues

The Arizona Cardinals have been active in free agency as they attempt to rebuild a defense that ranked near the bottom of the league in 2025. Among their recent additions is Andrew Billings, a veteran interior lineman formerly with the Chicago Bears, who brings experience and depth to a unit that struggled against both the pass and the run last season.

Billings, a 6-foot-1, 340-pound defensive tackle, was originally drafted in the fourth round by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2016. Over eight NFL seasons, he has appeared in 90 games as a starter, though his performance has been inconsistent. He opted out of the 2020 season due to the pandemic but has otherwise been a steady presence on the interior line.

Despite a long career, Billings struggled statistically last season. Pro Football Focus ranked him 131st out of 134 qualifying defensive tackles with an overall grade of 38.7. Still, the Cardinals see potential value in adding a seasoned veteran to a line that allowed an average of 357.7 yards per game, ranking 27th in the NFL.

Arizona has already added two other defensive linemen in free agency: Roy Lopez on a two-year deal and Jonah Williams on a one-year contract. The team hopes the trio, along with Billings, can stabilize a defensive front that will now be counted on heavily under new head coach Mike LaFleur.

1. Billings’ Career and Performance

Billings made his NFL debut with the Bengals and later joined the Bears, where he started 39 games over the past three seasons. He has been known more for his size and ability to occupy blockers than for producing standout statistics. While his 2025 numbers were underwhelming, Billings’ experience in a variety of defensive schemes could prove useful for a Cardinals team looking to rebuild its front seven. Coaches may value his ability to mentor younger linemen and provide rotational stability. The 340-pound tackle is expected to contribute primarily against the run, plugging gaps and absorbing double teams to allow linebackers more freedom to make plays. His presence could also help Arizona improve a unit that ranked 25th against the run and 24th against the pass last season. For Billings, this one-year deal represents an opportunity to demonstrate he can still perform at a high level in a new environment. A strong showing could secure him a longer-term role or serve as a springboard to additional free agency opportunities next year.

2. Cardinals’ Defensive Outlook

Arizona’s defensive struggles in 2025 were a major factor in the team’s overall performance, with injuries compounding an already underperforming unit. The signing of Billings, along with Lopez and Williams, signals a commitment to adding depth and experience. Head coach Mike LaFleur, who leans heavily on offensive strategy, has chosen to retain defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. LaFleur will depend on Rallis to maximize the defensive line’s potential and integrate new pieces like Billings into the rotation effectively. While the signing adds veteran leadership, questions remain about whether Billings can elevate the unit above last season’s performance. His PFF grade suggests that he must make significant improvements to help Arizona climb in defensive rankings. The Cardinals’ defensive identity will likely revolve around experience and scheme efficiency this year, with the hope that a combination of coaching, veteran presence, and younger talent can improve results against both the pass and the run.

3. Implications for the Season

The addition of Billings gives Arizona a slightly more established interior line, which could be critical in a division with potent rushing attacks. His ability to occupy blockers may create opportunities for the team’s linebackers to make plays in the backfield. However, the team’s overall defensive success will hinge on depth, scheme adjustments, and injury management. Billings alone is unlikely to transform the unit, but as part of a broader rebuild, he could play a stabilizing role. Expectations are tempered; the Cardinals are realistic about the challenges ahead but hope that the infusion of veteran talent can elevate the performance of a line that struggled last season. Success will depend on how quickly Billings adapts to LaFleur and Rallis’ system. Arizona enters the 2026 season with cautious optimism, balancing hope for defensive improvement with the understanding that major work remains to be done.