The San Francisco 49ers made headlines when they signed Andre Dillard, a veteran offensive tackle, on May 9, 2025. Dillard, once a highly touted prospect entering the NFL, brings a story filled with ups and downs and surprising revelations. Here are five shocking facts about Andre Dillard that fans may not know.
1. A First-Round Pick with High Hopes but Frequent Team Changes
Andre Dillard was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, expected to succeed the legendary Jason Peters at left tackle. However, his career has not unfolded as anticipated. In just four years, Dillard has played for four different teams: the Eagles (2019-2022), Tennessee Titans (2023), Green Bay Packers (2024), and now the 49ers (2025). His frequent team changes highlight his struggle to meet initial expectations, despite possessing an ideal frame (6-foot-5, 315 pounds) and promising skills.
2. A Devastating Injury Derailed His 2020 Season
In 2020, Dillard was slated to take over as the Eagles’ starting left tackle. However, a torn biceps injury during training camp sidelined him for the entire season. This setback not only halted his development but also paved the way for Jordan Mailata to claim the starting role, who later became one of the NFL’s top left tackles. This injury marked a significant turning point in Dillard’s career, making it challenging for him to regain his form and standing with the Eagles.
3. A Notorious Record for Allowing Sacks
During the 2023 season with the Tennessee Titans, Dillard started at left tackle and appeared in 10 games. However, according to Pro Football Focus, he allowed a league-high 12 sacks and 42 pressures. These staggering numbers contributed to the Titans releasing him after the season, forcing Dillard to take on a backup role with the Green Bay Packers in 2024. These statistics underscore the inconsistency in his performance, despite his once-highly regarded technical abilities.
4. His Role with the 49ers May Be Limited to a Backup
The 49ers signed Dillard to a one-year deal to bolster the depth of their offensive line, especially with Trent Williams contemplating retirement and several key linemen, such as Jaylon Moore, Aaron Banks, and Charlie Heck, having moved on. However, with Trent Williams and Colton McKivitz expected to remain the starting tackles, Dillard is likely to serve as a backup or compete for the swing tackle role alongside other rookies and veterans like D.J. Humphries. This suggests the 49ers are preparing for worst-case scenarios, but Dillard may see limited playing time unless injuries occur.
5. From College Star to NFL Journeyman
At Washington State, Dillard was one of the top offensive tackles in college football, renowned for his quarterback protection and agility. He was considered one of the brightest talents in the 2019 NFL Draft. However, his professional career has been a stark contrast to his college success. From a highly promising prospect, Dillard is now seen as a player with potential but inconsistent performance, marked by flashes of brilliance interspersed with critical mistakes. His signing with the 49ers could be his final chance to prove his worth.
Conclusion
Andre Dillard is a quintessential example of how potential does not always translate to success in the NFL. With a one-year contract with the 49ers, he has an opportunity to start anew under the guidance of head coach Kyle Shanahan and within a team with lofty ambitions. However, with a history of injuries, inconsistent performance, and intense competition, Dillard’s journey in San Francisco will undoubtedly be challenging. 49ers fans are eager to see whether he can deliver a surprise or remain an unfulfilled story in the NFL.