When the Green Bay Packers chose to re-sign running back AJ Dillon in the summer, it surprised a lot of their own supporters. The 2020 second-round pick suffered the worst season of his career last year, which was the last of his rookie contract. Dillon averaged a pitiful 3.4 yards per carry while only totaling 613 yards of running. It seemed like he was constantly having trouble pushing past defenders, which is a quality that running backs like Dillon need to have.
The self-styled “Mayor of Door County,” however, wanted to stay with Green Bay and agreed to a one-year contract worth $2.7 million, of which only $1.2 million will count toward the salary cap. His contract, which was incredibly team-friendly, guaranteed that he would be around to give the running back position depth.
He is not, however, certain to stay the Packers’ backup running back.
During the offseason, the Green Bay Packers renovated their running back room.
Aaron Jones, a former Packers running back, served as the team’s main backfield player for many years. However, he was terminated after refusing to accept yet another wage reduction in order to remain as the team’s third all-time leading rusher.
The Packers had signed Josh Jacobs, the league’s top rusher in 2022, to a four-year, $48 million deal just hours before Jones was let go. Green Bay made the decision to bring Dillon back at a reduced cost in order to maintain some continuity and familiarity at the position, with Jacobs taking over as the starting back.
After the worst season of his career, Dillon’s performance in 2024 is questionable, thus the Packers decided to utilize their third-round pick on running back Marshawn Lloyd. Emanuel Wilson, who was added to the 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent the previous season, has also returned.
Running back AJ Dillon of the Green Bay Packers did not do well against the Cleveland Browns.
On Saturday, August 10, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio, during the first half of an NFL preseason football game at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon (28), is tackled by a plethora of Cleveland Browns defenders.
The Cleveland Browns were defeated 23–10 by the Packers in their first 2024 preseason match. The bulk of the carries went to Wilson, who ran 13 times for a team-high 67 yards and a touchdown. With regard to rushing yards last preseason, Wilson led the whole NFL.
The team’s primary running back, Jacobs, saw limited action; on one occasion, he ran for seven yards.
Lloyd only saw one carry as well, but a hamstring issue forced him out of the game early. He attempted one rush and gained eight yards.
Despite not playing much either, Dillon had four rushing attempts in the first part of the game. He only gained two yards on these carries, therefore they were incredibly ineffective.
Fans on social media expressed their overwhelming desire for his release in response to his performance.
Dillon responded to those critics on Tuesday.
Running back for the Green Bay Packers, AJ Dillon, Responds to Critics
Packers of Green Bay, AJ Dillon
Running back for the Green Bay Packers On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during organized team activities, quarterback Jordan Love (10) is passed the ball by AJ Dillon (28).
Dillon was questioned about the supporters who were critical of his performance against the Browns at his locker following practice on Tuesday. He responded without holding anything back.
“I got a 98%, so try to do more than I did. If you don’t live in my house, I don’t care about your opinion; you can’t participate in what we’re doing; all you can do is enjoy and watch,” Dillon remarked.
After the Cleveland game, many fans thought Dillon’s job was in danger. Lloyd, a former second-round selection, will have plenty of opportunities to make amends, though, given his injuries.
Leave a Reply