Similar to guard Royce Newman, former Philadelphia Eagles star Andre Dillard must put up a good show during training camp to keep his spot on the roster. Otherwise, the Green Bay Packers may have to cut him before the upcoming season starts.
Dillard was drafted in the first round, 22nd overall, by the Eagles in the 2019 NFL Draft after a successful college career at Washington State University.
As a rookie with the Eagles in 2019, Dillard played in all 16 games, starting four. In 2020, he was slated to be the starting left tackle but suffered a season-ending torn biceps injury in training camp. In 2021, he competed with Jordan Mailata for the left tackle job, eventually starting four games due to an absence by Lane Johnson. The Eagles declined Dillard’s fifth-year option in 2022, making him a free agent.
In 2023, Dillard signed a three-year, $29 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, where he started 10 of 16 games as their left tackle. However, the Titans released him in March 2024.
A couple of months ago, Dillard signed with the Green Bay Packers, where he will aim to establish himself as a consistent starting offensive tackle in the NFL. Throughout his professional career, Dillard has shown flashes of potential but has also dealt with injury issues. His next opportunity with the Packers will be crucial for his long-term NFL future.
Green Bay Packers’ Andre Dillard Named As Potential Cut Candidate
Even though Dillard is one of the team’s new signings over the past season, he still has to prove himself via training camp. In an article by Alex Ballentine for Bleacher Report, the tackle must find a way to put on an impressive performance or he’s going to get the cut.
“Despite his turnstile play in the Music City, the Packers have afforded him another shot to earn a role. They signed him to a one-year, $1.1 million deal this offseason, but that doesn’t guarantee he’ll even make the final roster.
The Packers have a lot of questions up front, but they also have a collection of young prospects at the position. That includes sixth-round pick Travis Glover. The Georgia State blocker is far from an elite prospect, but if it comes down to it and the Packers can only keep one, they might prefer the younger player.
Dillard will have to show that he can be a reliable swing tackle in camp to have a roster spot,” Ballentine wrote.
In contrast to Dillard, Glover boasts impressive physical attributes like size, length, and power, which enable him to excel as a run blocker. However, his pass protection technique needs refinement, as his hand placement and footwork can be inconsistent, making him vulnerable to quick defenders.
With Glover hanging around, Dillard must put up a fight and justify his stay in Green Bay. Otherwise, he would have to find another way to play in the NFL next season.
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