The Packers moved on from Aaron Jones this offseason, and the top of the team’s backfield depth chart will look different in 2024. Josh Jacobs will serve as Green Bay’s lead back after he took a four-year deal including $12.5MM guaranteed. 
Jacobs will handle the bulk of early-down work on his new team, though the Packers are also interested in increasing his pass-catching responsibilities. The 2022 rushing champion figures to shoulder a heavy workload as a result, but the team added MarShawn Lloyd in the third round of this year’s draft. The USC alum could handle backup duties as a rookie, particularly if he impresses during training camp and the preseason A notable Lloyd usage rate is indeed a Packers goal, The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman confirms (subscription required).
Meanwhile, the coming weeks will play a key role in determining AJ Dillon‘s future in Green Bay. The former second-rounder faced questions about a potential free agent departure after his rookie contract expired, but he ended up re-signing in Green Bay. The Packers used the four-year qualifying offer to retain Dillion, who is due $2.74MM in 2024. That figure outpaces his cap charge ($1.29MM), but the 26-year-old does not figure to be a roster lock.
Dillon is aware he is entering camp on the roster bubble, Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal writes. The Boston College product is a candidate for the No. 3 spot, but the same is true of 2023 UDFA Emanuel Wilson. The latter recorded only 108 scrimmage yards as a rookie, though establishing himself as a special teams contributor could help his chances of surviving roster cutdowns. For Dillon, remaining in the fold would allow him to rebound from an underwhelming 2023 campaign.
Averaging a career-low 3.4 yards per carry last season, Dillon scored only two touchdowns. He 178 carries marked a similar workload to the two previous years, but a dip in usage should be expected if he locks down a roster spot for 2024. Dillon did not show much interest in finding a new team during free agency, a period in which several veteran backs managed to secure deals in short order. The Packers were active on that front with the Jacobs addition but it did not take long for Dillon to re-sign.
The latter produced 2,092 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns between 2021-22, and returning to his previous form could help Dillon’s market value in 2025. For the time being, though, attention will be focused on his training camp and preseason performances.
I remember arty being very loyal to this guy in fantasy football last season. I have no idea why. I would have dumped him in a heartbeat. Of course I had my own RB dud in Najee Harris…lol.
Arty knows his stuff tho. I thought AJ could have signed with chiefs if they let CEH walk
I am sure that, if cut, his ole buddy Aaron will welcome Dillon to the Jersey Jets.
They’ve just paid him 2m, what a waste of money if he gets cut
If I remember correctly, it’d be a much smaller cap hit than that. And let’s be honest, Gute and Co have eaten nearly $50M this off-season (and last, if I’m not mistaken). Even if it is $2M, who would notice?
I agree, it’s not a huge hit. At the same time, it’s also a small figure to retain Dillon. He’s no star, but he’s not as bad as given credit for, either. He has uses, especially at his size. A 2a/2b/3 role for Dillon isn’t bad for the size of the deal. I don’t think that it’s a terrible move either way for the Pack to find a use for Dillon or to move on-if, of course, the other backs who take his place are legitimately more productive.
It isn’t guaranteed. If he is cut before tge season it doesn’t count against cap
He’s also been helping Jacobs and the rook learn the play book, so if he doesn’t make the team he at least provided something useful this off-season.