Other Teams Reportedly “Inquired” About Andre Dillard’s Availability

Jeff McLane wrote a story about Andre Dillard at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Dillard is injured right now, but was apparently losing the left tackle battle to Jordan Mailata anyway. It was presumed the first round draft pick would be the backup and the seventh round draft pick would become the starter, which is the most Eagles thing ever. Go figure they’d whiff in the 1st round but nail a developmental former rugby player in the 7th.

In McLane’s story, he talks about what the Birds might do with Dillard, and drops this nugget:

But even before Dillard strained his right knee last week, it was clear that Mailata had a firm grasp on the position. The word had increasingly gotten out around the NFL as teams, directly or not, inquired about Dillard’s availability, per league sources.

Left tackle is a premium position, after all, and while Dillard’s value has plummeted, a team’s desperation should never be underestimated. The Eagles weren’t the only team to give the Washington State product high marks out of college. His athleticism is still evident. And Dillard wouldn’t be the first to benefit from a change of scenery.

Birds getting phone calls about Dillard? That’s to be expected. The question is what kind of value you can get back for him.

Greg Little, you may be aware, was just traded by the Carolina Panthers for a conditional 7th round pick, and he’s a tackle who was drafted in the second round just two years ago. If he’s worth that… little… then what is Dillard worth as a former first rounder?

You also have to ask yourself if you’re comfortable with the depth behind Mailata and Lane Johnson if Dillard is moved. Right now the Birds have Jack Driscoll, Brett Toth, and a couple of guards that can kick out to tackle if necessary. That’s iffy, but if Mailata stays healthy the entire year then Dillard doesn’t see the field and his value depreciates even further.

Keep an eye on this.

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