As the Green Bay Packers prepare to enter the 2024 NFL season, it is evident that their backfield will look drastically different than in previous years. For seasons, the formidable duo of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon spearheaded the Packers' rushing attack. However, a series of significant changes have set the stage for a new era in Green Bay's offensive lineup.
A Farewell to Familiar Faces
The team faced a substantial shift when AJ Dillon was placed on injured reserve due to a neck injury, with no designation to return. Dillon, who was a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has been an essential component of the Packers' run game. Over four seasons, he accumulated 2,428 yards and 16 touchdowns on 597 carries, showcasing his ability to pound the football and break through defenses. Unfortunately, Dillon's 2023 performance saw a dip in productivity, recording career-low averages of 3.4 yards per carry, totaling 613 yards and two touchdowns on 178 carries.
Adding to the changes, Aaron Jones, the other half of the Packers' running back tandem, signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings in the offseason. Jones had been a consistent and explosive playmaker for Green Bay, and his move to a divisional rival left many fans and analysts speculating about the future of the Packers' backfield.
New Faces, New Hopes
Amidst these departures, the Packers have not sat idle. They re-signed AJ Dillon to a one-year, $1.3 million contract, showing faith in his ability to rebound from injury. Importantly, they also secured a major acquisition by signing Josh Jacobs to a lucrative four-year, $48 million deal. Jacobs, who was the 2022 NFL rushing champion, brings a proven track record and high-level performance to Green Bay. His arrival is expected to bolster the Packers' rushing attack significantly.
The Packers also looked to the 2024 NFL Draft to further strengthen their backfield, selecting USC running back MarShawn Lloyd with the 88th overall pick in the third round. Lloyd's collegiate performance and potential make him an intriguing addition, and he is expected to develop under the guidance of experienced players like Jacobs and Dillon.
The Road Ahead
The overhaul in Green Bay's running backs marks the beginning of a new chapter for the team. The incoming talent provides a blend of youthful potential and experienced prowess, which could reacquaint the Packers with a dominant ground game. With a reshuffled backfield, headlined by Josh Jacobs and supported by AJ Dillon and MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay's running game might reach new heights.
All eyes will be on how the Packers integrate these changes into their offensive strategy. The team's ability to effectively balance the contributions of their new and returning players will be crucial to their success. Green Bay's revamped backfield is poised to become one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2024 NFL season, and fans eagerly await to see how this new unit performs.