The San Francisco 49ers just dipped into the Green Bay leftovers and came up with not one, but two former Packers offensive tackles: Andre Dillard and Nicholas Petit-Frere. The move comes right after rookie minicamp, and let’s be honest – it screams depth signings more than headline moves.
Let’s start with Dillard. The former first-rounder from the Eagles barely saw the field in 2024, logging just 13 offensive snaps for the Packers. Trade rumors swirled around him all season, but nothing ever stuck. Now he lands in the Bay Area hoping to revive his career — or at least make the roster.
As for Petit-Frere? Packers fans probably remember him for all the wrong reasons. When he suited up for the Titans last season, Green Bay’s defense had a field day. Eight sacks. That game alone probably shaved years off his confidence. He ranked among the league’s worst starting tackles in pass protection. Yikes.
So what are the Niners doing here? Well, they didn’t touch the O-line until the seventh round of the draft, despite losing Aaron Banks (to the Packers), Jaylon Moore (to the Chiefs), and Charlie Heck (to the Bucs) in free agency. Right now, Colton McKivitz and D.J. Humphries are penciled in to compete for the right tackle job — but don’t be surprised if these new guys get a real shot in camp.
San Francisco didn’t necessarily get better today, but they added competition. And sometimes, that’s enough to light a fire in the trenches.
As for the Packers? Dillard was one of their final unsigned unrestricted free agents. Now, just tight end Tyler Davis remains — a guy who’s spent more time rehabbing than playing lately. Oh, and Robert Rochell is back on the market after the Chiefs let him go. Just in case anyone’s keeping score.
