The very first signing of an outside free agent for the Tennessee Titans came on the first day of the legal tampering period on Monday, when the team agreed to terms with Andre Dillard on a three-year deal.
Entering the offseason, one of the main priorities for Tennessee was to rebuild their offensive line, which was dreadful in 2022.
Dillard figures to help with that cause, and the expectation is that he’ll man the left tackle spot, which was vacated after the team released long-time left tackle Taylor Lewan.
So, what do you need to know about Dillard? Here’s a look at five things.
Injury history
Given the team’s struggles with injuries the past few years, one of the first things Titans fans want to know about an incoming player is his injury history.
Dillard’s worst run-in with injury came in 2020, when he suffered a season-ending torn biceps. Beyond that, he missed one game in 2021 (knee), and five in 2022 due to a fractured forearm.
So, while Dillard has seen his fair share of injuries over the years, it’s not to an alarming point where he’s had serious knee injuries or something like that.
Why didn't he start in Philly?
Dillard was a first-round pick of the Eagles but was never able to fully secure a starting role in this time there. Here’s what Glenn Erby of Eagles Wire had to say about that in our Q&A with him after the Dillard signing.
GE: Dillard dealt with injuries, inconsistent play, and an improving Jordan Mailata. He sat behind Jason Peters as a rookie and then missed the entire 2020 season with an injury. That injury allowed Mailata to improve and gradually receive more reps. Dillard also missed five games in 2022 with a fractured forearm suffered in training camp.
With just nine starts over the three seasons he’s played, the Titans are betting on upside and potential here. If Dillard can answer the bell, his deal with Tennessee will be a steal.
Dillard gives Titans options
After signing him to a three-year, $29 million deal, the specifics of which we STILL don’t have, the expectation is the Titans are going to deploy Dillard at left tackle in 2023.
However, the Titans do have some options with Dillard, who saw time at every spot but center during his time with the Eagles.
This leave the door open for the Titans to still draft a left tackle at No. 11, as Dillard could move to guard or even right tackle if the Tennessee isn’t sold on Nicholas Petit-Frere.
If, for some reason, the left tackle the Titans draft in that spot isn’t ready right away or ends up changing positions, as is possible with Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski, for example, Dillard can serve as a stopgap who, at the age of 27, has the potential to be the long-term solution.
Here’s what Eagles Wire’s Glenn Erby had to say about Dillard’s ability to push inside:
GE: Dillard cross-trained at guard with the Eagles and saw game action at right and left guard when Landon Dickerson or Isaac Seumalo were forced to exit late in the season. The talented pass-blocker could actually flourish with a move inside.
Also, here’s Erby’s view on Dillard as a starting left tackle:
GE: The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Dillard is absolutely capable of being a starting left tackle in the NFL as long as he can stay healthy, and avoid bouts of inconsistent play. Dillard is stout in the running game, and is a solid pass protector, but can struggle with the bull rush from opposing defensive ends.
Dillard's strengths
Here’s some of what Dillard does well, per Erby:
GE: Dillard is an excellent athlete, has smooth, fluid footwork, and the reach to control defenders on the outside when he gets properly set with his kick slide.
Dillard's weaknesses
And, some of what Dillard doesn’t do well, also per Erby:
GE: He can improve in the run game, and needs to continue to add lower body strength and power on the edge. Dillard can be a finesse player at times but has improved his motor and physicality.
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