With the 2020 season coming to a close, fantasy owners have begun preparations for the next season. Whether they are studying the tape of the incoming rookie class, looking over rankings, preparing for their drafts, discussing trades, etc. With there being lots of moving pieces going on this offseason, there is one player you need to keep your eyes on. Whether you are currently in the rebuilding or contending stage, look to trade for Packers running back AJ Dillon. Going into his second year in the NFL, now is the perfect time to try and trade for him before next season.
Promising Rookie Campaign
Even though the team spent a second round draft pick on Dillon, he didn’t receive much playing time this season. However, despite playing in only 9% of the team’s offensive snaps, the rookie showed some flash and great talent. In the regular season, across eleven games, he rushed for a total of 194 yards after contact. In addition, he averaged over five yards a carry. His best game of the season came in week 16 against the Titans when he rushed for 124 yards with two touchdowns. He also added a catch for five yards and played 58% of the snaps. Coming off a strong campaign in Boston College, Dillon showed he can handle a workhorse role in this Packers offense.
Uncertainty at the Running Back Position
This offseason, the Green Bay Packers are going to have to make some tough decisions with their free agents. Some big names from the 2020 roster include Corey Linsley, Kevin King, Lane Taylor and Preston Smith. Their two star running backs, Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones, are among the top of the list. The team is projected to be over their designated cap salary and will have to make some tough decisions. Jones has been a top five running back the past two seasons, and deserves a big contract. Whether or not the Packers resign him is the question. Running backs like Dalvin Cook, Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, and Joe Mixon have all received extensions since being drafted in 2017. After making the Pro Bowl this season, Jones has earned his respective extension as well.
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Both Williams and Aaron Jones were drafted back in 2017. Williams was drafted in the fourth round, while Aaron Jones was in the fifth round. There’s a greater chance that the Packers sign Jamaal Williams to an extension, and release Jones. If that were the case, Dillon may be second in the depth chart behind Williams for the starting role. However, depending on how much the cap salary goes down across the league, both Williams and Jones may be released, making Dillon the lone starter for this Packers offense.
What To Offer For AJ Dillon
Of course, this does depend on your specific league and who you are trading with. The goal is to buy low for him at this moment. Start by talking with the AJ Dillon owner and see what you can do to make a deal. Examine the owner’s team and see what he needs whether it’d be a wide receiver, another draft pick, and/or a tight end. As of right now, with the uncertainty at the running back position in Green Bay, offer a significant RB3/WR3. Dillon’s value is only going to go up at this point, and may call for a future draft pick or two as well. By trading for him, there is definitely a high risk/high reward, but the reward is worth the risk.
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