Is Andre Dillard playing in the NFL right now? No, the former first-round offensive tackle is currently a free agent and is not signed to any team roster.
After joining the San Francisco 49ers ahead of the 2025 season, his stint was cut short by a severe ankle injury that required surgery.
Following an injury settlement in October 2025, Dillard was released, allowing him to sign elsewhere once fully healthy.
As of today, he remains unsigned as he continues his recovery, leaving fans wondering what is next for his professional football career.
Why Is Andre Dillard Not Playing in the NFL?
Understanding his absence requires looking at his physical recovery journey. While he was poised to contribute to a new offensive line, a major health setback completely altered his season trajectory.
The 49ers Contract and Pre-Season Hopes
Prior to the regular season, he signed a contract to join the San Francisco 49ers for their upcoming campaign.
This opportunity represented a fresh start where he could showcase his athletic blocking ability and secure a permanent role on a highly competitive roster.
The Severe Ankle Injury and Surgery
His plans were derailed by a severe ankle injury during his time in San Francisco. The damage was significant enough to require undergoing surgery, sidelining him during critical preparation periods and forcing him onto the team’s injured reserve list.
The Calculated Injury Settlement Release
In October 2025, the franchise officially released him through a negotiated injury settlement after his ankle struggled during post-surgery practices.
This strategic move prevented him from being stuck on injured reserve all year, letting him explore new teams when healthy.
Andre Dillard’s NFL Career Path and Player Profile
Evaluating his potential to return requires examining his extensive professional history. His on-field resume shows a clear contrast between his elite passing protection skills and his developmental areas.
Experience and Games Played Across the League
Over his professional career, he has participated in 69 regular-season matchups, earning 19 starts along the offensive line.
This extensive experience in multiple blocking schemes makes him a highly appealing option for teams seeking veteran depth at tackle once he gets fully healthy.
Elite Pass Protection Footwork and Technique
He is highly regarded for his exceptionally quick, fluid footwork and elite lateral movement.
During his college career at Washington State, he demonstrated this technique by allowing only a single sack across an FBS-leading 722 pass-blocking snaps, showcasing NFL-level tackle traits.
The Challenge of Run Blocking Mechanics
Despite his passing protection skills, he has struggled with consistency in the run game. Transitioning from a pass-heavy collegiate offense, he historically lacked the natural leverage, lower-body anchor, and raw power to finish blocks against physical NFL defensive lines.
How Do NFL Injury Settlements and Free Agency Work?
Navigating the business side of professional football is complex, especially when injuries occur. The mechanism used in this case provides both the team and the player with specific advantages.
How an Injury Settlement Benefits the Franchise
When a franchise releases a player with an injury settlement, it resolves their immediate roster obligations.
Instead of keeping an injured athlete on the injured reserve list for the entire year, the team pays a negotiated amount representing the weeks he is expected to miss.
How an Injury Settlement Empowers the Player
For the athlete, the settlement is a path to freedom rather than being stuck on injured reserve. Once the settled period passes and they regain full health, they are legally permitted to sign a contract with any of the other thirty-one teams in the league.
The Unsigned Reality of Free Agency
Although the settlement granted him the liberty to negotiate, no teams have signed him since his release. This highlights the competitive nature of the league, where players must demonstrate complete physical recovery before securing another roster spot.
Key Statistics and Athletic Metrics of Andre Dillard
To appreciate his overall career trajectory and current athletic profile, we can analyze the key metrics and status points defining his roster situation.
| Category | Athlete Metric / Current Status |
|---|---|
| Current Roster Status | Free Agent (Unsigned) |
| Most Recent Franchise | San Francisco 49ers |
| Release Agreement | Negotiated Injury Settlement (October 2025) |
| Career Appearances | 69 Regular-Season Games Played |
| Career Line Starts | 19 NFL Regular-Season Starts |
| College Snap Efficiency | 1 Sack Allowed on 722 Pass-Blocking Snaps |
| Primary Physical Strength | Exceptional footwork, fluid lateral quickness |
| Primary Tactical Struggle | Lack of lower-body power and run blocking anchor |
Frequently Asked Questions About His NFL Status
Is Andre Dillard playing for any NFL team right now?
No, he is currently a free agent and is not signed to any active NFL roster. His last team affiliation was with the San Francisco 49ers during the 2025 pre-season, which concluded with his release in October 2025.
Why did the San Francisco 49ers release him?
The franchise released him via a negotiated injury settlement in October 2025. He underwent surgery for a severe ankle injury, and his ankle did not respond well when he attempted to return to practice during post-surgery workouts.
What are his greatest strengths as an offensive lineman?
His main strength lies in his pass protection, where he features highly fluid footwork and quick lateral movement. This was highlighted in college at Washington State, where he allowed just one sack on 722 pass-blocking snaps during his evaluation.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for the Offensive Tackle
Andre Dillard remains in a holding pattern as a free agent in the NFL. While his athletic pass-blocking profile and extensive experience of 69 games make him a viable depth option, everything hinges on his physical health.
Until his ankle is fully healed and he can pass a rigorous team physical, he will continue to wait for his next professional opportunity.
The road back to an NFL roster is demanding, but Dillard’s foundational elite traits—specifically his pass protection efficiency—ensure that he will remain on the radar of tackle-needy teams once his medical reports clear.
Fans can expect workouts and interest to heat up once he is fully medically cleared to compete on the gridiron.
He has shown the ability to block at a high level, and franchises are always looking for seasoned veterans to bolster their offensive lines as the long season wears on.
