Philadelphia Eagles: The future is bright for Andre Dillard

Against all odds, Andre Dillard is still a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

I know, I’m surprised too; after being legitimately linked to a few teams and mocked to about 15 more across the NFL for literally years now, Dillard has survived two trade deadlines, two NFL Drafts, and countless spots on “players who could be traded” lists to remain a member of the Eagles to this day.

Now granted, could that change at literally any point? You bet; all it takes is one season-ending injury to a left tackle on a team with playoff aspirations for Howie Roseman to receive an offer he can’t refuse. But do you know what? If Roseman fails to agree to a deal until the deadline, or opts not to deal the former first round pick at all to maintain depth at a position of value, that’s not a big concern, all things considered.

Why? Because the future is bright for Andre Dillard, no matter how his fourth season with the Philadelphia Eagles shakes out.

Some team will be very happy to land the Philadelphia Eagles’ former first round pick.

Whether made available in free agency or via trade, Andre Dillard might just be the most unique veteran offensive tackle to become available in quite some time.

A former first round pick out of Washington State who was lauded for his pro-ready pass blocking, Dillard didn’t become a backup on the Eagles’ roster because of a lack of ability or because he was a “bust.” No, Dillard isn’t a starter today because of exceptional luck for the Eagles and not so exceptional luck for the player in question: Jordan Mailata‘s development into a top-10 tackle.

If Mailata didn’t work out, or was better positioned on the right side of the field, it’s entirely possible that Dillard would be starting today and have a long-term spot locked in for the foreseeable future. But because of Mailata’s emergence, Dillard finds himself a 26-year-old left tackle with massive upside, extensive experience in an NFL organization on his resume, and just 677 offensive snaps on his resume.

Yeah, something tells me his market is going to be very robust indeed.

Now granted, Dillard probably won’t earn an exceptionally lucrative long-term contract right away. While a bidding war could produce a very nice payday right from the jump, few teams are going to commit a four-year contract, even without much guaranteed money on a player with such little on-field experience on his resume, but if Dillard can make good on a prove-it deal and prove himself a top-20ish left tackle, well, the world will be his oyster and, as you know, oysters are expensive in these trying times.

Has Andre Dillard’s career gone as he initially hoped when the Philadelphia Eagles traded up to secure his services in the 2019 NFL Draft? No, probably not; Dillard probably assumed that he would learn behind Jason Peters for a season or two and then take over on the left side long-term. Instead, he watched his best chance to become a starter get dashed via injury and suddenly found himself a man without a foreseeable future with the team. Fortunately, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and before we all collectively know it, Dillard will earn his shot to shine for one team or another.