Needing nearly an entire new starting offensive line, the Titans are moving on that project. They are signing former Eagles first-round pick Andre Dillard, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL.com report (on Twitter).
Despite Dillard having not secured a spot in the Eagles’ starting lineup, a market formed for his services. The Titans are giving once-coveted prospect a three-year, $29MM contract, Garafolo tweets.
The Eagles passed on Dillard’s fifth-year option in 2022, having removed him from their plans to be a long-term left tackle option. The Washington State product will land another opportunity in Tennessee, being tabbed to replace Taylor Lewan. Tennessee released Lewan, making the former Pro Bowl left tackle part of a salary purge under new GM Ran Carthon.
Although Orlando Brown Jr. and Donovan Smith are on the market, the Titans look to be prepared to go with a cheaper option at left tackle. Dillard has played both left and right tackle as a pro but has fared better on the blind side. The Titans also have perhaps their lone returning O-lineman, Nicholas Petit-Frere, at right tackle.
Philadelphia traded up for Dillard in the 2019 first round and had hoped he would become Jason Peters‘ heir apparent. Instead, rugby convert-turned-seventh-rounder Jordan Mailata ended up succeeding the Hall of Fame candidate. Mailata received an extension to work on Philly’s blind side long-term, leaving Dillard without a place. The Titans will give him a redemption opportunity.
Dillard, 27, made nine starts with the Eagles — in 2019 and 2021 — and drew trade interest due to his diminished role with the organization. That said, Pro Football Focus viewed Dillard’s five-game starter — particularly his pass-blocking chops — sample fairly well in 2021. It will interesting to see the rest of the puzzle pieces during one of the more notable O-line overhauls in recent NFL history.
