One Eagle who boosted his trade value with a strong preseason performance
It’s no secret that the Andre Dillard experience has not gone how the Philadelphia Eagles had initially hoped. Dillard has been at the center of trade talks over the last couple of years, but his offseason transformation along with occasional moments of brilliance could make the Eagles think twice before moving on from the 2019 […]
It’s no secret that the Andre Dillard experience has not gone how the Philadelphia Eagles had initially hoped. Dillard has been at the center of trade talks over the last couple of years, but his offseason transformation along with occasional moments of brilliance could make the Eagles think twice before moving on from the 2019 first-rounder.
Dillard’s struggles through his first three seasons in Philly are well documented. His injury history, attitude issues, and lackluster play have all contributed to a frustrating tenure with the Eagles.
Now serving as the backup left tackle to Jordan Mailata, who didn’t start playing American football until 2018, Dillard is expendable.
But just because the Eagles can trade him doesn’t mean that they should.
Eagles fans are right to be disappointed in the fact that Dillard has logged just nine starts in three years. But there is reason to believe Dillard is in position to turn it all around this season.
I’m not insinuating he will reclaim the starting job at left tackle, but few teams in the NFL have the depth at the tackle position that the Eagles do. Just last season the Eagles had to use multiple players at every position on the offensive line excluding center.
If there is one team in the NFL that should understand the importance of depth in the trenches it’s the Birds.
Though he hasn’t played up to his draft status, Dillard is good enough to start on a handful of teams in the league. General manager Howie Roseman knows what he has in Dillard and could have dealt him long ago, but there’s a reason he’s still in Philadelphia.
Not only has Dillard put in work off the field, but in Sunday’s preseason win over the Cleveland Browns Dillard was seen paving the way for running backs Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott.
The Eagles declined Dillard’s fifth-year option in April, making him a free agent at the season’s end.
If, and it’s a big if, the Eagles want to trade Dillard it’s wise to hold off and wait until injuries at the position occur around the league in the middle of the season. This will drive up the demand and maximize the return on a potential deal involving Dillard.
Dillard’s stock appears to be on the rise which should put Roseman at ease with whatever he decides. If Dillard is able to build on this momentum he will be a luxury backup in an offense in which offensive line play ultimately determines the team’s success.
Featured image via Eric Hartline / USA TODAY Sports
