A Look at the New Signings
Andre Dillard, a former first-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles, spent last season with the Green Bay Packers but had a minimal role—logging only 13 offensive snaps throughout the 2024 campaign. Despite often being the subject of trade speculation, Dillard remained with Green Bay the entire season. His signing by the 49ers offers a low-risk veteran option who has struggled to live up to his draft billing but still brings experience to the room.
Nicholas Petit-Frere, on the other hand, had a rough year as a starter with the Tennessee Titans. He was widely criticized for his pass-blocking performance in 2024, with a particularly disastrous outing against the Packers in which the Titans surrendered eight sacks. That game starkly contrasted with the Packers’ average of just over two sacks per game in their other contests, underscoring Petit-Frere’s struggles. Nevertheless, his starting experience adds another layer of depth to San Francisco’s offensive line.
Implications for the 49ers’ Offensive Line
The additions of Dillard and Petit-Frere are clearly aimed at boosting competition at right tackle, a spot that already had a battle brewing between Colton McKivitz and D.J. Humphries. McKivitz is entering the second year of a modest two-year, $4.6 million deal, while Humphries, a former starter for the Arizona Cardinals, signed a one-year deal worth $2 million earlier this offseason.
While it’s unclear whether Dillard or Petit-Frere can seriously challenge for a starting role, their presence could serve as insurance policies or developmental projects in the event of injury or poor play from the expected starters.
Draft Strategy and Free Agency Losses
Notably, the 49ers chose not to select an offensive lineman until the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, despite losing several players with starting experience: Aaron Banks (signed with the Packers), Jaylon Moore (Chiefs), and Charlie Heck (Buccaneers). These losses have thinned the team’s offensive line depth, making the veteran signings even more critical as training camp approaches.
Final Packers Free Agents
Dillard’s departure from Green Bay leaves tight end Tyler Davis as the last of the Packers’ unrestricted free agents from 2024 still unsigned. Davis has struggled with recurring injuries, which may be limiting his market. Additionally, cornerback Robert Rochell—who had been released by the Chiefs—has now re-entered free agency, though he was not among the Packers’ original unrestricted free agents
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