Chicago Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings isn’t a player who draws much attention, but he has become a leader on defense over the last three seasons.
Billings missed nine games last year after suffering a season-ending pectoral muscle tear, but he has rebounded this season, playing in all 16 games so far, starting 13 of them. If he’s on the field for almost half of Chicago’s snaps in the regular season finale against the Detroit Lions, he’s set to be rewarded even more.
If not, though, it could cost him, big time.
“Nose tackle Andrew Billings is on track for a $250,000 incentive based on the team qualifying for the playoffs, provided he’s on the field for 45% of the snaps. He entered Sunday’s game at 47%,” Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune noted.
Will Chicago Bears DT Andrew Billings Get a $250K Bonus vs. the Detroit Lions Week 18?
GettyDefensive tackle Andrew Billings of the Chicago Bears could cash in on a $250K bonus vs. the Lions Week 18.
Billings’ potential bonus is tied to a combination of both snap counts and playoff participation. The 11-5 Bears have already locked up a playoff spot after clinching the NFC North, so all that’s left is for Big Bill to play at least 45% of Chicago’s snaps on defense against Detroit. If he does, he’ll be $250,000 richer. If he doesn’t, well, that’s a pretty difficult pill to swallow.
Billings’ 2025 numbers are relatively modest at a glance. Through Week 17, he has 27 total tackles (five for loss) and three QB hits. The bulk of his usage has come on early downs and in short-yardage situations, which is a role that has suited both Billings and the Bears.
Chicago has leaned heavily on a rotation up front, allowing multiple defensive linemen to stay fresh late into games and over the course of the season. Along with Gervon Dexter and Grady Jarrett, the trio will continue to share snaps on the interior.
Billings has been a central-yet-unheralded part of Chicago’s D-line, often taking on double teams and freeing up linebackers to make plays. His contributions do not always appear in the box score, but his coaches and teammates have noticed his efforts. So have the fans.
This Is Likely Billings’ Final Season in Chicago
Now almost 30, Billings is in the second year of a two-year, $8 million extension he signed with with the team. His 2025 deal includes a base salary just over $2 million, along with workout and performance incentives. The reported bonus is interesting, because it gives a glimpse into how the Bears have structured some of their deals for veterans. Playing time, durability and winning are all prioritized.
That said, this will very likely be Billings’ final season in the Windy City. The Bears have had rookie Shemar Turner on injured reserve all year, which likely helped Billings get more playing time. Chicago is going to want to get Turner on the field as much as possible next year to make up for the time and development he has missed. With Billings on an expiring deal and players like Turner and Jarrett still under contract, Big Bill may be playing his final games in navy and orange.
Hopefully, Billings collects that incentive bonus. He has been doing the quiet and dirty work for a long time with zero complaints. If anyone deserves an additional financial reward for being tough and consistent, it’s him.
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