The Green Bay Packers are poised for a significant upheaval in their backfield as they enter the 2024 NFL season. After several seasons of relying on the formidable tandem of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, the team will see a new era dawning with major roster changes.
A Shift in the Backfield
Since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, AJ Dillon has been a mainstay in the Packers' offensive lineup. Over the course of four seasons, Dillon has accumulated 2,428 yards and 16 touchdowns on 597 carries. However, a concerning neck injury has placed Dillon on injured reserve for the upcoming season, without a designation to return.
This development marks a significant moment in the Packers’ strategy, as Aaron Jones, who has been Dillon's partner in the backfield, signed a one-year deal worth $7 million with the Minnesota Vikings during the offseason. Jones’ departure leaves a notable gap, given his years of productivity and reliability for Green Bay.
New Faces in the Lineup
Despite these challenges, the Packers have been proactive in bolstering their backfield. In a strategic move during the 2024 NFL Draft, the team selected USC running back MarShawn Lloyd with the 88th overall pick in the third round. Lloyd, known for his agility and explosive playmaking, is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the Packers’ running game.
Additionally, the Packers made headlines by signing former Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs to a four-year, $48 million deal. Jacobs, who was the 2022 rushing champion, comes to Green Bay with a proven track record of success. His powerful running style and ability to churn out yards after contact will be invaluable assets as the Packers look to reinvigorate their ground attack.
AJ Dillon's Return and Performance
In a surprising turn, despite his placement on injured reserve, Dillon re-signed with the Packers on a one-year, $1.3 million contract. This move suggests that the team still values what Dillon brings to the table and is hopeful for his future contributions once he recovers.
Dillon's 2023 season was a mixed bag, yielding career-low averages of 3.4 yards per carry. He finished the season with 613 yards and two touchdowns on 178 carries, statistics that highlight both his capabilities and the challenges he faced. The Packers' faith in a potential rebound for Dillon underscores their commitment to maintaining a robust and versatile backfield.
Looking Ahead
As the Packers prepare for the 2024 season, the combination of fresh talent and seasoned veterans promises an exciting transition for the team. The introduction of MarShawn Lloyd and the acquisition of Josh Jacobs suggest a strategic pivot towards a more dynamic and multifaceted running game. Packers fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how these changes translate on the field and whether the new-look backfield can replicate or even surpass the success of the previous era.
With Dillon hopefully on the mend and new talents stepping up, the Packers are setting the stage for a season of possibilities, driven by their ever-evolving backfield strategy.