NFL: The Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills are heading into the 2023 season with different expectations on the season. The Bills believe they are in the middle of their Super Bowl window while the Packers are trying to figure out of they have their third straight franchise quarterback. That being said, the Packers certainly have star power of their own, so much so that the Buffalo Bills may be looking to pry one away.
The Buffalo Bills Are Interested In Acquiring RB AJ Dillon From The Green Bay Packers (NFL)
An article published by Buffalo TV Beat highlighted the fact that the Bills are interested in the bruising running back:
As the Green Bay Packers face an impending challenge with their running back roster, the Buffalo Bills have shown interest in acquiring AJ Dillon. With Dillon’s contract soon expiring, the Bills are eyeing a potential opportunity to reinforce their squad.
Dillon, a key component of the Packers’ duo with Aaron Jones, could become an unrestricted free agent upon the expiry of his contract, giving teams like the Bills the potential to capitalize on his notable performance record.
The Packers’ concern lies in the future of their backfield, with both Dillon and Jones reaching pivotal contract decisions. Projections mark Dillon’s potential contract value at roughly $4.6 million per year, putting him in line with the league’s 17th-ranked back.
His contract expiration presents a challenge for the Packers, adding another dimension to their already complex situation with Jones, who is set to carry a $17.7 million cap hit in 2024. The Bills, in light of this, are closely monitoring the situation in hopes of making strides ahead of the free agency.
Would The Green Bay Packers Move On From AJ Dillon?
In 2021, the Green Bay Packers running back duo of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon achieved the rare feat of each eclipsing 1,000 all-purpose yards. Last season, Dillon fell just 24 yards short of 1,000 all-purpose yards while Jones had a career-high 1,121 rushing yards to go with 395 receiving yards (for a grand total of 1,516 all-purpose yards, the second-best total of his career). In total they combined for 2,492 total yards from scrimmage last season. Jones’ receiving ability was particularly important. He snagged 59 of his 72 targets for 395 yards and five touchdowns.
The Green Bay Packers have Jones under contract through the 2024 season. If 2023 proves to be extremely successful (again) with both Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, they may want to make a move to keep the duo together at least one more year.
A franchise tag would secure Dillon through the 2024 season as well. However, the Green Bay Packers very rarely use the franchise tag. In fact, since the franchise tag was introduced in 1993, the Packers have only used it five times. Could an elite running back duo be enough for them to use it a sixth time?
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