For the second time in as many seasons, offensive tackle Andre Dillard is a free agent. Originally selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, most analysts believed that the Washington State product was going to protect Carson Wentz for the next decade. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, as the offensive lineman and quarterback both failed to meet expectations.
Dillard spent his rookie season as a backup before tearing his triceps in the 2020 offseason. He then lost out on the starting job in 2021 and spent all of 2022 as a backup. Despite this underwhelming start to his career, the Titans decided to give Andre Dillard a three-year, $29 million contract as a free agent.
Perhaps the team believed that the former first-round pick had the talent to be a starting tackle but never had the opportunity thanks to Philadelpha’s star-studded offensive line. Whatever the reason, the team made a bet that Andre Dillard would fare much better as a free agent. That bet didn’t pay off, as the offensive lineman lasted just one season in Tennessee before the team parted ways with him.
Will Andre Dillard Find A New Free Agent Home?
Life in the NFL has not been kind for the former first-round pick. Now set to test the free agent market once again, one has to wonder if any team will take a risk on Andre Dillard. The Tennessee Titans justified their investment by claiming Dillard didn’t have enough game film to properly determine his abilities. That is no longer the case, as he appeared in all 16 games while making 10 starts.
According to Pro Football Focus, Andre Dillard finished the 2023 season with a 51.0 grade, the 71st-best mark out of 81 eligible offensive linemen. The Titans had the worst offensive line in the league last year, and Dillard’s subpar performance was a big reason for the lackluster performance of the unit.
Nobody is going to get in a free agent bidding war for Andre Dillard, and he might have to wait a bit before a team comes calling. However, there aren’t enough tackles in the NFL to meet the demand, so somebody could bring him in, even if it’s just to be a camp body or compete for a backup spot.
Possible Team Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have fared well in free agency, signing Chris Jones and improving their passing attack with Marquise Brown. This team should be the favorite to win it all in 2024, but they still need to find a solution at left tackle. After Donovan Smith underwhelmed in 2023, the team was unable to add clear upgrades like Tyron Smith or Jonah Williams. While the team could bring back Smith, they could also sign Andre Dillard as some free agent competition. The Chiefs will probably look for their long-term solution at tackle in the 2024 NFL Draft, but they should add a stopgap option in case the rookie isn’t ready.
New Orleans Saints
Teams can win games with Derek Carr as their quarterback, but they need to have the perfect supporting cast. While New Orleans has two reliable receivers in Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, they need to add a starting-caliber tackle. Much like Kansas City, they’ll probably look for their long-term solution in the draft but could get by with Andre Dillard as a free agent. While they technically have $16.7 million in cap space, they should try and save their money for when they’re inevitably in salary cap hell again next year.
New England Patriots
The Patriots have had one of the worst free agencies of any team as they struggle to spend their $57.8 million in cap space. This team needs somebody to protect their quarterback of the future, and it’s not going to be Trent Brown. With no receivers of note on the roster, the protection will need to be great for any quarterback to survive in this environment. Andre Dillard is not great, but the free agent might be the best player left who’s actually willing to suit up for New England.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman believe that a good run game can set up the passing game, even when there are no receivers to catch the ball. Regardless of the accuracy of that claim, it’s going to be difficult to have a good run game with a subpar offensive line. Rashawn Slater is great, but this team could use a right tackle. While the Chargers will probably trade back and select their star tackle of the future, Andre Dillard can be a decent stopgap who won’t cost much as a free agent.
New York Giants
Every other team on this list would only sign Andre Dillard as a free agent to be a backup or short-term band-aid. The New York Giants might have to start him. Andrew Thomas is great, but Evan Neal might genuinely be the worst offensive tackle in the NFL. Quite literally anybody would be an upgrade on him, and whether it’s Daniel Jones or J.J. McCarthy, the Giants need to do a better job keeping their quarterback upright in 2024.
Main Photo: Denny Simmons – USA Today Sports
