Former Green Bay Packers OL Signs with San Francisco 49ers
Earlier this offseason, Green Bay Packers general manager stated that his team needs to have a sense of urgency and start competing for Super Bowl titles. At the time, many took that to mean that the Packers were going to be big players in free agency for the second year in a row. However, aside from adding Aaron Banks, Nate Hobbs, Mecole Hardman, and Isaiah Simmons (none of whom were considered prime targets), Green Bay was quiet in free agency.
As it turns out, Gutekunst’s message was not for the front office, but for the players already on their roster. To put it plainly, many of the players that they have drafted and developed did not or have not elevated their games to the level Green Bay had hoped. This brought some changes to the roster, most notably on offense.
The Green Bay Packers Have Made Some Changes/Additions on Offense
Dec 23, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers guard Elgton Jenkins (74) following the game against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Perhaps the most covered changes the Packers have made is at the wide receiver position. With Christian Watson expected to miss part of the 2025 NFL season as he recovers from a torn ACL, and due to the fact that the other wide receivers had drop issues in 2024, Green Bay used two of their first three picks in the draft on the position.
But the changes that Green Bay has made/is making on their offensive line could be just as notable, if not more so.
As mentioned previously, the Packers added Banks, a left guard, in free agency by giving him a $77 million contract. His addition, as well as the departure of Josh Myers, means that Elgton Jenkins will be moving to center, the position he played in college.
Additionally, Green Bay used their second round pick on Anthony Belton, and a seventh round pick on John Williams, both of whom play on the line.
All of these additions meant that someone who was on the team last year was going to be the odd man out.
Former Green Bay Packers Offensive Lineman Andre Dillard Has Signed with the San Francisco 49ers
Green Bay Packers offensive linemen Jacob Monk (62) and Andre Dillard (73) run through a drill on Friday, July 26, 2024, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
That odd man out is former Philadelphia Eagles first round pick Andre Dillard, who signed with Green Bay on a one-year deal prior to the 2024 NFL season. He appeared in 10 games for the Packers last season, but only played 13 offensive snaps all year.
He will get yet another chance to revitalize his professional career with the San Francisco 49ers, who signed the veteran tackle on Friday:The 49ers will be Dillard’s fourth team in as many years
