Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon has shown flashes of greatness throughout his three seasons, but are the Packers looking for a better answer?
Although he has been playing behind Packers starting back Aaron Jones, Dillon has still put together formidable seasons. In his 2021 campaign, he totaled over 1,000 scrimmage yards and seven total touchdowns. Last season was a different story; he missed 6 games and finished with under 500 total yards for the season.
Will Jonathan Taylor be a Packer?
Now as we look at the upcoming season, we are starting to see the Packers looking for new playmaking options. They have been reported as one of the teams involved in trying to acquire Jonathan Taylor. Adding Taylor to a team that already has Aaron Jones would turn Dillon into an afterthought. He might even be a part of a trade for Taylor. Which could give him new opportunity for the Indianapolis Colts.
Emanuel Wilson Could be an X Factor
Not to mention, the Packers had an undrafted running back Emanuel Wilson make the 53 man roster. Wilson had a great showing in the preseason to win a spot. We could eventually see Wilson take snaps away from Dillon as well.
Emanuel Wilson made it impossible for the #Packers to cut himpic.twitter.com/qtrNDZkhaA
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) August 29, 2023
We have this before. Austin Ekeler was an undrafted rookie who took Melvin Gordon’s job and turned into a star. This is a formula that teams use at the running back position so they don’t have to pay talented backs. Dillon only has a salary hit of $1,681,855 this year, but the Packers could possibly look to get value back for him instead of just letting him walk next season. It does not seem likely they would give him a bigger contract sense they are already paying Aaron Jones.
With all these obstacles standing in Dillons way, he still seems very happy to be wearing the yellow and green.
Headed into year 4 and don’t take it for granted! Here’s to the G 💪🏾 #GoPackGo https://t.co/XIcBJBpUuC
— AJ Dillon (@ajdillon7) August 29, 2023
AJ Dillon has a lot to prove this year. He needs to stay on the field and remind the Packers why they drafted him in the second round in 2020. If he does not, we could see him in a new uniform during this season. With a superstar running back rumored to be on the horizon and a young rookie back hungry to prove himself, Dillon could be in for a grueling season.
Book An Athlete Appearance MSM 2023 CTA
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @@JacobKnowlton34 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
