Ex-Packers Depth Piece Quietly Joins Division Foe—Could Inside Knowledge Tip the Balance?

In a move that has gone largely unnoticed by the mainstream NFL media, former Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Andre Dillard has quietly signed with an NFC rival—adding an intriguing layer to the upcoming season. Though not a headline-grabbing acquisition, Dillard’s new team may benefit from more than just his blocking ability.

Dillard, a former first-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019, joined the Packers briefly during the 2024 season but saw limited action, appearing in only 13 offensive snaps. His role was primarily that of a depth piece—an insurance policy for the offensive line. Yet, his time in Green Bay gave him exposure to the team’s protection schemes, line calls, and locker room dynamics.

Now, Dillard has landed with the San Francisco 49ers—an NFC powerhouse and potential playoff threat to the Packers. While his signing hasn’t generated much buzz, it may prove quietly significant. As someone who’s spent time inside the Packers’ system, Dillard brings with him valuable insight that could give the 49ers a competitive edge in matchups against Green Bay.

“He wasn’t a major contributor on the field,” one Packers insider noted, “but he was in the room. He practiced, sat in meetings, and learned the schemes. That kind of intel can matter in a tight game.”

Dillard’s move also reflects the ever-evolving nature of the NFL, where even players with brief tenures can become strategic assets. For the 49ers, it’s a low-risk signing: Dillard has the size, experience, and pedigree to provide depth on the offensive line—and possibly more.

From Green Bay’s perspective, Dillard’s departure was a minor footnote in an offseason focused on re-signing key starters and developing younger talent. But his reappearance on a contender’s roster—especially one that may cross paths with the Packers in the postseason—could quietly tip the balance in a crucial moment.

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, all eyes may not be on Andre Dillard—but come game day, his presence on the opposing sideline might just raise a few eyebrows in Green Bay. It’s a reminder that in this league, no move is ever truly “minor.”