Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon, who is entering a contract year in 2023, wants to stay in Green Bay for as long as the Packers want him there.
“I love Green Bay. Green Bay knows that. I love the Packers. The Packers know that. I’d play here until I can’t run anymore,” Dillon told Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal. “I’ll pick up long snapper or whatever it is when I start slowing down. But there’s only so much I can control.”
Dillon’s rookie contract with the Packers expires after the 2023 season. How he performs this year will likely determine if he’s back in Green Bay — potentially as the long-term No. 1 running back — or looking for a new home for 2024.
Dillon told Wilde that he was thinking too much during what he described as a disappointing 2022 season. The third-year back gained 976 total yards on 214 touches after producing 1,116 yards on 221 touches during a breakout 2021 season. Running backs coach Ben Sirmans believed he wasn’t aggressive enough as a runner.
The goal for Dillon in 2023 is to play free and have fun while thinking less. And if he takes care of business on the field, he’ll greatly increase his chances of returning to the Packers on a second contract.
“I’m going to have fun and enjoy all the time I have here. And hopefully, we’re back here next year,” Dillon said.
Although the Packers retained starting running back Aaron Jones, Dillon should have plenty of opportunities to touch the ball, both as a runner and receiver. In fact, there’s a good chance the Jordan Love offense in 2023 will run through Jones and Dillon, ensuring 200 or more touches is well within reach if Dillon is healthy. Breaking more tackles and catching the ball at a higher rate are both ways Dillon can regain the incredible efficiency and productivity of his 2021 season.
Dillon said he and his wife plan to make Green Bay their long-term home regardless of where he’s playing football in 2024.
“Like I always say, Green Bay is home for us whether football is here or somewhere else. We’ll be back here eventually. (But) obviously, I want to be in the green and gold.”
