3. Did the Titans get it right when they signed LT Andre Dillard in free agency?
Left tackle Taylor Lewan was a pillar on the Tennessee offensive line since they drafted him 11th overall in the player selection thing. But nothing is forever and after dealing with injuries in recent years and sitting out 30 games over the last three seasons, the three-time Pro Bowl nod chose to call it quits.
Despite the fact that head coach Mike Vrabel left the door open for Lewan's potential return, it looks like the Titans already turned the page, as they gave 2019 first-round selection Andre Dillard a three-year deal worth $30 million in free agency. All things considered, this was a cost-effective move that could pay dividends for Tennesee.
In his prime, Lewan was a significantly better player than Dillard. However, availability is the best available in the NFL and Lewan couldn't simply stay healthy. It's true that Dillard missed his sophomore campaign after suffering a biceps injury but he's fully healthy ahead of the 2023 season.
Also of relevance is that the Washington State product lost his starting job to Jordan Mailata and might have had trouble coping with it. Having said that, every player is different, and some more need time than others to develop. Maybe Dillard required more time to mature and process life in the NFL. Similarly, it's possible that he could benefit from the change of scenery in Tennessee.
While Tennessee will need to wait until the regular season to truly assess Dillard, it feels like signing him was a smart move. After all, they have limited options in free agency and other pressing needs but still managed to land Dillard without having to break the bank.