NFL Free Agency Primer - Andre Dillard

The regular season has come to a close, and most teams have already begun the complicated process of preparing for the 2023 season. In the coming months, we'll be covering the impending free agents most capable of shifting the balance of power in the NFL.

The Player: Andre Dillard

Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Andre Dillard's career has gotten off to a slow start. The 2019 NFL Draft's 22nd overall pick has only earned nine starts because of a combination of injuries and the overall quality of the Eagles offensive line. However, he has earned positive grades from Pro Football Focus over his limited action and still has the physical tools that made him a first-round pick.

The Fit:

Dillard couldn't consistently crack the Eagles' starting offensive line, but they've been a dominant unit ever since he arrived there. He has the height, length, and girth to play on the outside, but he's not so long and lumbering that he wouldn't fit at guard. He would make sense for a rebuilding team that can afford to take a high-risk, high-reward gamble with one of their tackle spots. With any luck, he could be a bargain starter.

The Cost:

Acquiring Dillard shouldn't break the bank. He is very unproven in the league. Still, his tools, potential, and relatively good health should earn him modest multi-year offers. He should at least approach high-end backup or low-end starter money, somewhere between Matt Pryor's $5.545 million one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts and Trent Brown's two-year, $13 million pact with the New England Patriots. 

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