Although they managed to impress NFL fans last season, the Green Bay Packers are hoping to surpass what they achieved then. One way to do so is to trade running back AJ Dillon as soon as possible.
Around a few months ago, Dillon signed a one-year contract to remain with the Packers for the 2024 season. The deal, which is a four-year qualifying contract, will allow the running back to earn up to $2.575 million, with only $1.125 million counting against the salary cap.
Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Despite a disappointing 2023 season, where Dillon’s yards per carry dipped to 3.4, the Packers see him as a valuable part of their backfield. His ability to grind out tough yards, catch passes, and protect the quarterback make him a versatile asset. His success rate, which measures efficient running, ranked 10th among running backs with at least 110 carries in 2023, underscoring his value.
The Packers are projected to pair Dillon with Josh Jacobs, forming a powerful one-two punch in the running game. This tandem should provide the team with a diverse and physical ground attack, allowing them to focus on other areas of the roster before the season begins.
While Dillon has yet to reach the heights expected of him when he was drafted in 2020, his new contract may give him an opportunity to do so. On the other hand, locking him in to that deal also allows the Packers to get some sort of value from him if they decide to move the running back.
Why The Green Bay Packers Should Trade AJ Dillon Right Away
In the event they decide to move on from Dillon, the franchise will do so with a good reason in mind. In an article written by Ryan Fowler for Bleacher Report, Green Bay must pull the trigger on him right away.
“With two additions surrounding him on the depth chart, running back AJ Dillon faces a questionable future in Green Bay.
Josh Jacobs replaces Aaron Jones as the starter, and third-rounder MarShawn Lloyd is a player who’ll be hard to keep off the field due to his blend of speed and power—ultimately leaving Dillon as the third back in the rotation for carries.
Dillon signed a one-year deal to return to Green Bay for 2024. While the team could very well play out the year with him and part ways following the campaign without any contractual ties, exploring the market for teams in need of a veteran ball-carrier could see the Packers steal a draft pick in return,” Fowler wrote.
With the addition of 2022 rushing leader Josh Jacobs and the drafting of MarShawn Lloyd, Dillon may fall down the depth chart. If the Packers’ younger backs impress in camp, they could put the 60-game veteran Dillon on the trade block as they look to bolster their running game for the 2024 season.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
It remains to be seen whether Dillon can finish his one-year deal with Green Bay or he finds himself with a new team soon. In any case, Packers fans will be eager to see how the franchise will deal with him in the coming weeks.
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