The Green Bay Packers are set for a significant overhaul in their backfield as they step into the 2024 NFL season. For many years, the dynamic duo of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon has been the cornerstone of the Packers' running game. However, this familiar setup is set to change dramatically in the coming year.
End of an Era
AJ Dillon, drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has been a critical part of the Packers' offense. With 2,428 yards and 16 touchdowns on 597 carries over four seasons, Dillon has made his mark in Green Bay. Yet, 2024 signifies a departure from business as usual with Dillon placed on injured reserve due to a neck injury, and notably, there's no designation for his return.
Meanwhile, Aaron Jones, who played alongside Dillon for years, has moved on from the Packers. In the offseason, Jones signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings. His departure leaves a significant gap in Green Bay’s running back roster, raising questions about how the Packers will navigate the upcoming season without one of their most reliable players.
New Faces in the Packers' Backfield
Despite these changes, there is a silver lining for Green Bay. AJ Dillon has recommitted to the team, re-signing for a one-year, $1.3 million contract. Although his 2023 performance saw career-low averages of 3.4 yards per carry and a total of 613 yards with two touchdowns on 178 carries, Dillon's return provides some continuity during this transitional period.
The Packers have also made strategic moves to bolster their running game. In a significant offseason acquisition, Green Bay secured Josh Jacobs on a four-year, $48 million deal. Jacobs, renowned for his prowess on the field, was the 2022 rushing champion, adding a high-caliber talent to the Packers' offensive arsenal.
Rookie Talent on Board
Complementing the acquisition of Jacobs, the Packers looked to the future in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting USC running back MarShawn Lloyd with the 88th overall pick in the third round. Lloyd’s entry into the team introduces fresh potential and youth into the backfield, providing the Packers with a promising talent that could develop into a cornerstone player.
Uncertain Yet Promising Future
The Packers’ backfield in 2024 will be defined by a mix of seasoned experience and emerging talent. While the absence of Aaron Jones and the uncertainty surrounding AJ Dillon cast a shadow, the addition of Josh Jacobs and MarShawn Lloyd brings a sense of optimism. Jacobs’ established track record as a top rusher promises to be a game-changer for the Packers, while Lloyd's potential could secure the future of Green Bay's rushing attack.
Overall, the Packers have maneuvered through a challenging offseason with strategic planning and decisive actions. The blend of veteran presence and youthful exuberance sets the stage for an intriguing 2024 season. As fans and analysts look ahead, the new era in the Packers' backfield holds the promise of exciting developments and resilient performances.
The 2024 season will undoubtedly be a test of adaptability and growth for Green Bay, but with the smart acquisitions and re-signings, they are poised to navigate these changes effectively. The Packers’ backfield transformation could well become a blueprint for other teams dealing with similar transitions.