A lot of people were surprised when the Green Bay Packers were revealed as the mystery team interested in acquiring Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. Running back seemed like one of the positions that Green Bay was set at for the 2023 season, led by the duo of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.
Throughout the offseason, Jones and Dillon were regarded as the best running back tandem in the NFL and it was hard to argue against that. Jones is a premier dual-threat, a game-breaker as a runner and pass catcher. Dillon had proven to be a solid power complement to him.
But, when taking a deeper look, adding a potential long-term option at running back made some sense. Jones has a massive cat hit for 2024 that could lead to his release after agreeing to a pay cut to stick around this season. Dillon is set to become a free agent as he plays out the final season on his rookie contract.
There is a good chance that the Packers’ starting running back in 2024 isn’t currently on the roster. Acquiring Taylor would seemingly fill that hole as he is eligible for an extension and Green Bay was reportedly willing to make him a top-of-the-market offer had they acquired him in a trade.
But, if that doesn’t go according to plan, the Packers could look elsewhere to fill out their depth chart in the backfield. One possibility is using a draft pick on a running back in the 2024 NFL Draft. That is what Matt Holder of Bleacher Report has suggested, with local Wisconsin product Braelon Allen being a potential target.
“Ground-and-pound running back AJ Dillon is scheduled to be a free agent, which would leave the Packers with a need for a goal-line back behind Aaron Jones. Luckily, they won’t have to look very far for Dillon’s potential replacement as Allen’s 6’2″ and 245-pound frame could fill that void. The Packers likely took notice of his 141-yard and two-touchdown performance during Wisconsin’s season opener.”
If the Packers do have long-term plans that include Jones, there is no need for Taylor, a leadback in his own right. Paying him the kind of contract he is seeking on top of what Jones is set to earn would make no sense.
Instead, Green Bay would pair Jones with another young running back such as Allen. Dillon has struggled when thrust into a larger role in 2023 and the Packers could be looking for a younger player with more upside than he has to offer. Allen would potentially fill that void as he puts himself on the NFL radar with a strong season with the Badgers.
