The landscape of the Green Bay Packers backfield will undergo significant changes in 2024, marking the end of an era characterized by the dynamic duo of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.
A Changing of the Guard
Since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, AJ Dillon has been a staple of the Packers' running game. Over his four seasons with the team, Dillon compiled an impressive 2,428 yards and 16 touchdowns on 597 carries. However, Dillon's production dipped in 2023, as he recorded career-low averages of 3.4 yards per carry, ending the season with 613 yards and two touchdowns on 178 carries.
This decline led to significant changes for the Packers in the offseason. Dillon found himself returning to Green Bay on a modest one-year, $1.3 million contract. Yet, he soon faced a setback when he was placed on injured reserve due to a neck injury, with no designation to return, effectively sidelining him for the foreseeable future.
A New Challenge for Aaron Jones
Meanwhile, Aaron Jones, a consistent and explosive element of the Packers' backfield for years, opted for a new challenge. In the offseason, Jones signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings. This move not only leaves a significant void in Green Bay's lineup but also shakes up the NFC North, as Jones is set to bring his talents to a divisional rival.
Youth and Experience
With major vacancies in their backfield, the Packers were proactive in addressing their needs during the 2024 NFL Draft. They selected USC running back MarShawn Lloyd with the 88th overall pick in the third round. Lloyd, a promising talent, is expected to inject youthful enthusiasm and potential into the Packers' run game.
However, the Packers didn’t solely rely on rookies to fill their gaps. In a significant offseason move, Green Bay signed Josh Jacobs, the 2022 rushing champion, to a four-year, $48 million deal. Jacobs' arrival is set to bring a blend of proven excellence and leadership to a restructured backfield.
Jacobs' credentials are impressive and well-known across the league. His tenure with the Raiders was highlighted by his league-leading performance in 2022. The Packers hope Jacobs can replicate his past successes and provide a stabilizing force amidst the backfield's transition.
Looking Ahead
The combination of Dillon's unfortunate neck injury, Jones' departure to the Vikings, and the fresh faces joining the Packers presents both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, there is the uncertainty of replacing two veteran players who have been central figures in the Packers' offense. On the other hand, the arrival of Jacobs and the potential of Lloyd offer a new chapter filled with possibilities.
The Packers' faithful will undoubtedly keep a close watch on how this revamped backfield takes shape. As Dillon recovers and Jones adapts to his new team, the focus will be on Jacobs and Lloyd to carry the torch forward. The hope is that this mix of youth and experience will not only fill the void but also drive the Packers toward continued success.
In essence, 2024 promises to be a transformative year for the Green Bay Packers' backfield. With significant roster changes, the narrative is one of adaptation and evolution. How the Packers manage this transition will be a crucial storyline as the season unfolds.