The Green Bay Packers will not be the same team in 2024 as they were in 2023. This past season saw the Packers struggles mightily at times, yet improve enough as the season went on to make the NFL Playoffs despite having the youngest roster in the league. Indeed, this year’s team far exceeded expectations, even those they had for themselves.
Next year will be different, though. Being young and inexperienced will no longer be acceptable excuses for mistakes. In his end-of-the-year press conference today, head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters that his message to the players was that their expectations for next season will be much loftier than this year’s. Having tasted the playoffs in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year, the Packers expect to be perennial contenders once again.
Of course, next year’s team will also look different than this year’s team. There are a number of players that are hitting free agency and may not return. Some may be too expensive for the Packers, others may be allowed to walk in favor of a new draft pick.
One impending free agent, though, has LaFleur’s endorsement for a return to Green Bay: running back AJ Dillon.
Matt LaFleur Wants AJ Dillon Back with the Green Bay Packers Next Year
During his media availability, LaFleur was asked about a variety of topics, some of which he chose to avoid. For example, he would not answer any questions regarding Joe Barry’s future with the team, but excitedly stated that he would “love” for quarterbacks coach Tom Clements to return.
LaFleur was also asked about the futures of some of his players, perhaps the most notable of which is left tackle David Bakhtiari. Of his current situation with the team, LaFleur stated that “all things are on the table.” He would not, therefore, rule out the possibility of Bakhtiari starting at left tackle for Green Bay again next year.
One other player that he was asked about, AJ Dillon, is one whose future is not certain among fans. After a down year that saw him average a career-worst 3.4 yards per carry, many believe that the Packers will let him go in free agency.
LaFleur, however, wants him back:
“He’s been a great member of our team… You could really see his value every year towards the end of the season… I told him, shoot, I’d love to have him back here.”
The question is whether or not the front office will feel the same way.
Should the Green Bay Packers Bring AJ Dillon Back?
As mentioned earlier, Dillon had a down year rushing the ball. In fact, one could argue it was his second down year in a row after a rather disappointing 2022. In 2021, Dillon had over 1,000 all-purpose yards: 803 rushing yards (which led the team) and 313 receiving yards. He also had seven total touchdowns in 2021 (five rushing, two receiving).
While 2022 saw Dillon have a down year, at least he punched in seven rushing touchdowns. This year, Dillon only had two scores. He also missed time with injuries and did not play in any of Green Bay’s two playoff games due to a stinger.
So why should the Packers bring him back?
The fact of the matter is that Dillon was forced into a role that he is not suited for in 2023. With Aaron Jones missing six games and not being fully healthy until the final three games of the regular season, Dillon was forced into the starting role.
That simply is not his game. He is much better suited as a change-of-pace back. The duo of Jones and Dillon can be one of the most productive in the NFL, as seen in 2021 when both backs had over 1,000 all-purpose yards.
While 2023 may have seen Dillon have his worst season in terms of yards per carry, it also saw him have his best year in terms of yards per reception (unless you want to count his rookie season in which he had two receptions for 21 yards) with 10.1.
The jury is still out on whether or not the Packers will bring back Jones either, but it is hard to see them not doing so after his five consecutive 100-yard games to end the season. If they do bring Jones back, it will likely be for just one more year.
And if that is the case, maybe bringing AJ Dillon back on a cheap deal would not be such a bad idea.