Running back AJ Dillon re-signed with the Green Bay Packers, but the team could still cut him. Following a lackluster season in which he averaged just 3.4 yards per carry, most expected Dillon to leave for greener pastures as a free agent. However, he didn’t receive much interest on the open market and ultimately returned to Green Bay on a cheap one-year, $2.74 million contract. After signing Josh Jacobs to a massive deal, Dillon seemed destined to serve as the backup running back in Green Bay. However, a recent report indicates he might not even earn that job.
According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, the Packers could cut AJ Dillon if third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd has a strong training camp. Jacobs will receive a massive workload, and there won’t be enough touches to go around to justify a $1.29 million cap hit for a third-string running back, especially when a release will save $1.13 million in cap space. Dillon might not be a Packer for much longer, but he could land with the Chiefs or Ravens.
Packers Could Cut AJ Dillon – Chiefs, Ravens Could Be Interested
The Kansas City Chiefs have a solid starting running back in Isiah Pacheco, but not much else. The former seventh-round pick has a lock on the starting job, but the reigning Super Bowl champions will be in trouble if he goes down. Former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire is nothing more than a replacement-level backup and Keontay Ingram and Deneric Prince belong on a practice squad. AJ Dillon might not be a superstar, but the cut candidate can provide more insurance for this team.
Running back is one of the least important positions in the game, and some teams can get away with having an unknown or unremarkable player leading their backfield. The Chiefs, however, are trying to be the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive titles. AJ Dillon won’t singlehandedly power this team to another title, but he can cut it as a starter if Pacheco has to miss a few weeks due to injury. The same cannot be said for Edwards-Helaire, Prince, or Ingram, so that alone justifies a roster spot.
Baltimore Backup
Much like the Chiefs, the Ravens have a clear-cut starter at running back with questionable depth. Derrick Henry is one of the best running backs in the league and was perhaps the biggest offseason addition for the Baltimore Ravens. Weighing in at 6′-3″ and 247 pounds, the four-time Pro Bowler is an unstoppable force who also has over 2,000 touches to his name. If age finally cuts him down, the Ravens could use someone like AJ Dillon to take some touches.
Last year, Gus Edwards was Baltimore’s primary short-yardage back. However, the running back is now in Los Angeles, which means somebody must step into the backup job. Henry can’t take 100% of the touches, so Dillon and his 6′-0″, 247-pound frame can ease Henry’s burden while Keaton Mitchell works his way back from the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Main Photo: Dan Powers – USA Today Sports
