Since being selected by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, AJ Dillon has proven to be a reliable contributor for the team.
The Boston College product has accumulated 2,428 running yards and 16 rushing touchdowns for an average of 4.1 yards per carry in his first four NFL regular seasons. He also had three appearances in the postseason for Green Bay; however, injury prevented him from playing in 2023.
The Green Bay Packers will eventually need to deal with AJ Dillon as his rookie contract is about to expire and he will become a free agency this offseason. This summer, Rodgers will undoubtedly have no shortage of admirers if he decides to move away from Green Bay.
Matt LaFleur would rather hold onto both Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.
Though he conceded that it would not be feasible, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur would naturally prefer to see both Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon return for the following campaign.
LaFleur stated, “AJ has been a great member of our team, and I think you’ve got to have multiple backs in this league.” “You must. It’s just the beating these men receive, and every year by the conclusion of the season, I believe you can truly understand his importance. However, I did tell him, “Hey, I really would love to have him back here.”
However, the Green Bay Packers’ budget predicament only allows them to keep one of them, as Aaron Jones’ base salary of $11.1 million in 2024 carries a $17.6 million cap charge. Additionally, it appears that AJ Dillon’s time in Green Bay is running out as general manager Brian Gutekunst is probably leaning toward Aaron Jones.
Moving to the AFC North is tied to AJ Dillon
As AJ Dillon prepares to leave Green Bay, many are wondering where he might end up next. According to CBS Sports, the 25-year-old might be a perfect fit for the run-heavy scheme of the Baltimore Ravens.
“Depending on Aaron Jones’s future, the supersized vet might play a bigger part in Green Bay, but Jones has shown to be a far more vital player. What about serving as a short-yardage option and going back to his hometown of Baltimore? CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin wrote.
The Cleveland Browns are an additional choice for AJ Dillon. Dillon could theoretically bear the load while Nick Chubb recovers from his knee injury, and he would be a reliable backup when Chubb returns.