The Green Bay Packers' backfield is set for dramatic changes in the upcoming 2024 NFL season. For years, the duo of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon has been the backbone of the Packers' running game. However, both players' circumstances are shifting, promising a new dawn for the team's ground attack.
A New Era for the Packers’ Backfield
AJ Dillon, who entered the league as a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has been a consistent presence for the Packers. Over his four seasons with the team, Dillon accumulated 2,428 yards and 16 touchdowns on 597 carries. Yet, a neck injury has now sidelined him indefinitely, as he has been placed on injured reserve without a designation to return.
Aaron Jones, whose explosive play has been a hallmark of the Packers' offense, joined the Minnesota Vikings this past offseason on a one-year, $7 million deal. This move marks the end of an era in Green Bay, where Jones and Dillon have complemented each other for so long. With Jones relocating to a division rival, it's going to be a strange sight for Packers fans to see him in purple and gold.
New Talent and Proven Performers Step In
In response to these changes, the Packers have decisively adjusted their roster to maintain their competitive edge. They re-signed AJ Dillon to a one-year contract worth $1.3 million, despite his injury concerns. Although Dillon’s 2023 season was not his most impressive—recording career-low averages of 3.4 yards per carry, finishing with 613 yards and two touchdowns on 178 carries—the team still sees potential in him when he recovers.
Moreover, the Packers made significant additions in the offseason to bolster their backfield. One of the major highlights was securing Josh Jacobs, the 2022 rushing champion, on a four-year, $48 million contract. Jacobs' prowess as a rusher is widely acknowledged, and his entry brings a proven, elite-level threat to the Packers' run game. His ability to dominate defenses makes him a formidable centerpiece around which the Packers can build their backfield strategy.
Infusion of Youth in the Backfield
To further strengthen their running game, the Packers also looked towards the future by selecting USC running back MarShawn Lloyd with the 88th overall pick in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Lloyd's college career displayed flashes of brilliance, and the Packers are hopeful his skills will translate well to the professional level. His addition provides a blend of youthful energy and promising talent that could play a vital role in the upcoming season and beyond.
These roster moves signal a clear strategic direction for the franchise. Balancing the experienced excellence of Jacobs, the potential recovery and return of Dillon, and the fresh legs of Lloyd, the Packers aim to maintain a robust and dynamic backfield.
What Lies Ahead
As the Packers prepare for the 2024 season, fans and analysts alike are keen to see how these changes will play out on the field. Josh Jacobs is expected to take on the role of the lead back, while the team hopes for Dillon to make a successful comeback from his injury. Meanwhile, MarShawn Lloyd will look to find his footing and prove his mettle in the NFL.
The evolution of the Packers' backfield is a testament to the ever-changing nature of professional football. The departure of a stalwart like Aaron Jones and the uncertain health of AJ Dillon have ushered in a new chapter, one that holds promise and intrigue. With fresh acquisitions and strategic signings, the Packers are well-positioned to navigate this transition and continue their pursuit of NFL success.