The landscape of the Green Bay Packers’ running back room underwent significant changes during the NFL’s legal tampering period of free agency.
Initially, it seemed that the Packers were poised to bolster their backfield with former Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs, forming a formidable duo alongside longtime team leader Aaron Jones.
But, the negotiations between Jones and the team broke down, leading to his release shortly after news of Jacobs’ addition surfaced. Jacobs’ four-year, $48 million contract with the Packers was finalized on Thursday, while Jones swiftly inked a one-year, $7 million deal with NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings.
Initially thought to be on the way out as well, running back AJ Dillon, affectionately known as “Quadzilla” due to his imposing 6-foot, 247-pound stature, will actually be returning to the Packers, per NFL Media. Dillon, a 2020 second-round pick out of Boston College, boasts 2,428 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns on 597 career carries across four seasons.
Despite a dip in his yards per carry average to a career-low 3.4 in 2023, Dillon remains a pivotal part of the Packers’ rushing attack, particularly in short-yardage situations.
Barring the acquisition of a running back in the early rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, Dillon is expected to continue in a role he has filled throughout his tenure with the Packers: a bruising back utilized primarily in short-yardage situations to complement the team’s lead rusher.
