With training camp just around the corner, NFL teams are gearing up to trim their rosters, and the Green Bay Packers are no exception. Among the potential tough cuts, A.J. Dillon’s name has surfaced as a surprising candidate.
A to Z Sports highlighted some “surprise cut candidates,” and running back A.J. Dillon, beloved by many Packers fans, was mentioned by Wendell Ferreira as a potential casualty.
“The Packers didn’t initially plan to retain Dillon in free agency,” Ferreira noted, “but the slow market allowed the team to bring him back on a four-year qualifying offer, using a rare CBA tool to pay him slightly above the minimum while only counting the minimum against the cap. However, the Packers also signed Josh Jacobs in free agency and drafted MarShawn Lloyd in the third round. If Lloyd shows early promise, Dillon’s roster spot could be in jeopardy.”
Dillon’s Contributions and the Competition
Selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Dillon has been a consistent performer for Green Bay. He’s been part of a formidable duo with Aaron Jones, but the addition of Jacobs and Lloyd has complicated his standing.
At 26, Dillon has proven his worth, racking up 613 rushing yards and 22 receptions for an additional 223 yards in a strong 2023 season, with two touchdowns to his name. Despite his solid performance, the crowded backfield could mean tough choices ahead for the Packers.
As the Packers navigate their roster decisions, Dillon’s fate remains uncertain. The team must balance retaining a proven contributor against the potential impact of new additions. Training camp will be a critical period for Dillon and the Packers as they make these pivotal choices.
In a game of numbers and strategy, even fan favorites aren’t safe from the chopping block, proving once again that the NFL is a tough business where the unexpected is always around the corner.
