Packers Rumors: AJ Dillon Contract Unlikely amid Aaron Jones Buzz in NFL Free Agency

The Green Bay Packers are unlikely to re-sign running back A.J. Dillon in free agency, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

The Packers are prioritizing bringing back running back Aaron Jones, whose contract they are currently re-negotiating with the goal of lowering his $17.5 million cap hit for 2024, according to Silverstein.

Dillon, a 2020 second-round pick, just finished out the fourth year of his rookie contract with the Packers.

The 26-year-old recorded 613 rushing yards for two touchdowns in 15 games during the 2023 season, marking a career-low 3.4 yards per attempt.

It was an underperformance from Dillon in a season he had hoped to use to earn another contract in Green Bay. According to NFL analyst Warren Sharp, Dillon's touchdown rate of 11.1 percent marked "the worst mark for any running back with over 15 touches inside the 10-yard line in the last four years."

Over the entirety of his Packers career, Dillon made 60 regular-season appearances and 11 starts while amassing 2,428 rushing yards for 16 touchdowns. He also appeared in three playoff games for the Packers between 2020 and 2021.

If the Packers are unable to agree on a reworked contract for Jones, the 29-year-old could depart the team alongside Dillon, leaving Green Bay in need of additional running back depth to join 2023 rookie Emanuel Wilson.

For that, the Packers could potentially turn to the draft. Green Bay is expected to select 11 times in Detroit, including five picks in the top 100, according to JR Radcliffe of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. It is likely the Packers will use at least one selection from that bevy of picks to "address the position" of running back, according to Silverstein.

If Dillon hits free agency, he will join a crowded running back class in 2024 that is expected to include Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry and Josh Jacobs.