The Green Bay Packers are enjoying a solid season with a record of 4-1-1 as they head into Week 8, where they will face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers, led by former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a highly anticipated Sunday Night Football matchup.
In light of the upcoming game, discussions have emerged regarding the possibility of the Packers targeting a former player for a trade—running back AJ Dillon. After leaving Green Bay for the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency, Dillon’s time with the Eagles has not gone smoothly. Recent reports indicate that he was benched during Week 7, raising questions about his future with the team.
Given the Packers’ current need for additional depth in the backfield, Dillon could serve as a valuable asset. Starting running back Josh Jacobs has faced health issues, including an illness and a calf injury that limited his practice participation last week. If Jacobs were to miss significant time, the Packers would find themselves without a reliable ground game.
Emanuel Wilson currently holds the second spot in terms of running back snaps for the Packers but has only managed 101 rushing yards alongside a modest performance. In this context, Dillon’s return seems prudent, especially considering he is on a one-year contract that could make a trade feasible for a low-cost investment, such as a seventh-round pick swap.
Dillon has demonstrated his worth throughout his tenure in Green Bay, amassing 2,248 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, and 781 receiving yards in four seasons. His capability of logging over 600 rushing yards in three consecutive seasons (2021-2023) as an effective RB2 highlights his potential to add depth and reliability to the Packers’ lineup. Moreover, his familiarity with the Packers’ offensive scheme would allow for a smooth transition, making his reintroduction into the team relatively seamless.
With the trade deadline of November 4 approaching, the Packers would benefit from considering a deal for Dillon. This potential reunion could enhance their offensive versatility while providing a solid backup plan in light of current injuries. The football community will be watching closely to see if this suggested trade comes to fruition.