With the NFL Combine wrapped up, the next big event on the league calendar is the start of free agency. The free agent running back class has some big names in Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, and Josh Jacobs, but second-round pick AJ Dillon should get a second contract as well – it just won’t come from the Green Bay Packers.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Dillon was supposed to be the heir apparent for Aaron Jones, providing a physical, hard-nosed style of running that eats away at defenses as the game goes on. That never happened, as Jones kept a firm grasp on the starting job and never let go. While AJ Dillon made a few spot starts when Jones was injured, the impending free agent spent the past four years as a backup.
According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Packers will not bring back AJ Dillon as a free agent. While the majority of the article focuses on restructuring Jones’ current deal, the Packers insider noted that Dillon is not considered to be the future of the position.
AJ Dillon Will Leave Packers As A Free Agent, Join New Team
AJ Dillon is going to look for a starting job as a free agent, but there’s a decent shot he won’t get one. The running back had a terrible contract year, recording just 613 yards and two touchdowns on 178 attempts (3.4 yards per carry). Green Bay’s offensive line didn’t help matters, as Dillon’s 3.23 yards created per touched ranked 33rd in the league and his 75.7 PFF grade was the 22nd-best mark of 59 eligible players. Basically, he’s better than his raw numbers would suggest, but he’s still nothing special.
Despite this, AJ Dillon should have a few free agent suitors. The former second-round pick can be effective in a situational role, and seeing as the running back market has collapsed, every team should be able to sign him without worrying about the financial aspect. If he is going to leave the Packers, these five teams could be his next home.
Best Team Fits
Miami Dolphins
De’Von Achane looked like one of the most explosive and dangerous backs in the league as a rookie. Unfortunately, the 5′-9″, 188-pound running back struggled to stay on the field as his body simply couldn’t handle a full three-down workload. Achane is one of those players who will be more efficient in small doses, which means that Miami needs to find a running back capable of handling the ball in short-yardage situations. AJ Dillon is an ideal fit for the job, and his 6′-0″, 247-pound frame makes him a perfect thunder to Achane’s lightning.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens want Derrick Henry, but can they afford him? The team currently has $16.45 million in cap space, and they have multiple top free agents hitting the market. They might not be able to afford a premium free agent at a luxury position like running back, which makes AJ Dillon a fine consolation prize. While Dillon is nowhere near as good as Henry, his downhill style of play should mesh well with Lamar Jackson’s more elusive style of running.
Los Angeles Chargers
Austin Ekeler will leave the Chargers, and head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to establish the run. While AJ Dillon isn’t the top name on their free agent wishlist, he might be the most practical. Los Angeles is currently $25.1 million over the salary cap, and while they could clear space by cutting some veterans, can they justify using what little resources they have on a big-name running back? Dillon might not be a special talent, but he can pick up hard-earned yards behind a decent offensive line.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are in a rough situation. After releasing Alexander Mattison, the team now has to find a brand new starting running back. Before they do that, however, they need to figure out what to do with Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter. If both players leave, then the Vikings will have the money to find a better running back. However, if one or both players stay, then Minnesota might have to sign a cheap free agent like AJ Dillon. Seeing as they’ve shared a division for the past four years, the Vikings should be familiar with what Dillon brings to the table.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rachaad White finished the 2023 season with the second-most touches in the league, behind only Christian McCaffrey. This is insane usage for any player, and head coach Todd Bowles already said they plan on reducing his workload in 2024. White has what it takes to be a starter in this league, but Tampa Bay could use a cheap free agent like AJ Dillon to lessen his burden in the backfield. While the two are the same height, Dillon has an extra 30 pounds of muscle that make him an ideal fit for a short-yardage role.
Main Photo: Bob Donnan – USA Today Sports
