Despite a strong showing last season, the Green Bay Packers are aiming to raise the bar even higher this year. One strategy that could help them achieve this goal is to trade running back AJ Dillon sooner rather than later. Earlier this year, Dillon signed a one-year deal to stay with the Packers for the 2024 season. This four-year qualifying contract offers Dillon the potential to earn up to $2.575 million, with only $1.125 million counting against the salary cap.
Though Dillon’s 2023 season was underwhelming, with his yards per carry dropping to 3.4, the Packers still see him as a key component of their backfield. His ability to gain tough yards, catch passes, and protect the quarterback makes him a versatile player. In fact, Dillon’s success rate—an indicator of efficient running—ranked 10th among running backs with at least 110 carries in 2023, highlighting his value to the team.
The Packers are planning to pair Dillon with Josh Jacobs, which would create a formidable one-two punch in their running game. This combination should give Green Bay a powerful and diverse ground attack, allowing them to address other roster needs before the season kicks off. While Dillon hasn’t yet lived up to the expectations set when he was drafted in 2020, his new contract could provide the opportunity for a breakthrough season. At the same time, the deal gives the Packers the flexibility to trade Dillon if they decide it’s in their best interest.
As Ryan Fowler pointed out in an article for Bleacher Report, the Packers might need to act quickly on trading Dillon.
“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 Josh Jacobs, the 2022 rushing leader, joining the team and MarShawn Lloyd coming in as a promising draft pick, Dillon’s spot on the depth chart could be at risk. If the younger backs shine during training camp, the Packers might consider putting Dillon, a 60-game veteran, on the trade block as they look to strengthen their roster for the 2024 season.
