The Titans Navigate O-Line Overhaul: Andre Dillard Faces Uncertain Future
In the wake of a season that saw the Tennessee Titans introduce an offensive line featuring four new starters in Week 1, the team is gearing up for substantial changes as they approach the 2024 campaign.
A major shift is on the horizon, with indications pointing towards the likely departure of Andre Dillard, the former first-round pick who found himself benched during his Tennessee debut.
ESPN.com’s Turron Davenport suggests that Dillard is poised to reenter free agency, signaling the end of his tenure with the Titans.
Dillard’s rocky start with the Titans contrasts sharply with the expectations set when he inked a three-year, $29 million deal to step into the shoes of Taylor Lewan as the team’s left tackle.
However, Dillard’s struggles became apparent as he failed to secure a starting role with the Philadelphia Eagles and subsequently gave up 12 sacks in just 297 pass-blocking snaps during his brief stint with the Titans.
Pro Football Focus ranked him 73rd overall among tackles, painting a grim picture of his performance.
The Titans face a dilemma in managing Dillard’s departure due to the financial intricacies of his contract.
Considering a post-June 1 cut, which involves adding void years to Dillard’s deal to alleviate the 2023 cap hit, emerges as a potential solution.
Without this designation, releasing Dillard would incur nearly $8 million in dead money, whereas a post-June 1 cut could save the team $6.5 million this year.
General Manager Ran Carthon contemplates the possibility of Peter Skoronski transitioning from guard to left tackle, a position he excelled in during his college career.
This move, while potentially creating a void at guard, holds significant weight in the grand scheme of the team’s offensive line strategy.
The ripple effect might involve Nicholas Petit-Frere shifting back to the right side, where he started his rookie season as the primary right tackle before facing setbacks due to a gambling suspension and a shoulder injury.
As the Titans contemplate these moves, uncertainties loom over the composition of the offensive line.
For now, Skoronski and Petit-Frere stand as the only confirmed starters, leaving the team with numerous unanswered questions along the offensive front for the second consecutive year.
The forthcoming decisions will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the Titans’ offensive line as they navigate the complexities of roster restructuring and strive for success in the upcoming season.
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