The Green Bay Packers’ backfield is set for a major overhaul in 2024.
Running backs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon have been the primary options for Green Bay since Dillon was selected 62nd overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, both may have played their final games with the Packers. Dillon, known as “Quadzilla” by fans and standing at six feet tall and weighing 247 pounds, has been placed on injured reserve due to a neck injury and was not designated for a return. This decision effectively ends his 2024 season before it could begin. Meanwhile, Jones has signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings during the offseason.
This situation is particularly tough for Dillon, who re-signed with the Packers for one year at $1.3 million. The 26-year-old will now miss any opportunity to compete for a spot in the running back rotation. Over his four seasons, he accumulated 2,428 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 597 carries, but he experienced a dip in performance in 2023, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry with 613 yards and two touchdowns on 178 attempts.
To bolster their running game, the Packers selected USC’s MarShawn Lloyd in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft and signed 2022 rushing champion Josh Jacobs to a four-year, $48 million contract this offseason. While there is a possibility that Dillon could make a comeback in 2025, he will be sidelined for the entire 2024 season as he focuses on recovery.