Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon finds himself at a critical point in his career as training camp gets under way. The former Boston College star signed a one-year, team-friendly contract to stay with the Packers. Now, he has to have a strong season to get his career back on track.

In 2023, Dillon struggled and had his worst statistical season since his rookie campaign. Last season, Dillon gained 613 yards on 178 carries. That gave him a 3.4-yard average per carry, the first time in his NFL career his average gain fell below four.

Dillon had a chance to shine last season when first-string running back Aaron Jones missed six games and was on a snap count in many others. Unfortunately, he was unable to take advantage of the opportunity. The team’s running game struggled when they relied on Dillon to be their primary ball carrier.

Most people expected Dillon to leave Green Bay during the offseason and for Jones to stay. Instead, Jones signed with the Vikings as a free agent while Dillon took an unusual contract to remain with the Pack.

Nothing is guaranteed for Dillon this year. It wouldn’t cost the Packers much money to release him before the season starts. There is also a lot of competition for a roster spot since the Packers added former Raiders running back Josh Jacobs in free agency and used a third-round pick on USC’s MarShawn Lloyd. Second-year man, Emanuel Wilson is also back to compete for a roster spot after he led the NFL in rushing yards during the preseason a year ago.  

The good news is that Dillon came to training camp in excellent shape and determined to prove he belongs on the roster.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has liked what he’s seen from Dillon at OTAs and during the first week of training camp.

“This is the best I’ve seen him. Hands down and I think he’d tell you the same,” LaFleur said on Tuesday. “It’s a testament to the work he’s put in. He came back and he’s in great shape. I was joking with him the other day. You can see the abs on him. That’s hard for a big man to do. He looks like he’s in great shape, I think he’s in a great place mentally. Obviously, we know what he’s capable of doing. I think he’s in a really good position to show his best.”

Dillon does have an advantage over the other backs on the roster in his fight for a roster spot. Dillon’s ability to run inside, between the tackles and to run with power is different than the running style of the other backs on the roster.

In addition, Dillon has additional opportunities to show the coaching staff what he can do early in training camp. Lloyd is currently not practicing due to a hip injury. While the injury is not considered long-term, it could make it tougher for Lloyd to learn the offense and prove to the coaching staff that he deserves to be the number two running back on the roster.

The key to that for Lloyd may be his ability to identify and pick up blitzes and pass block and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. These are two areas that Dillon has already proven he can handle and handle well.

Dillon is determined to prove he can still get the job done. “Just be the best I can,” Dillon told reporters when asked about his goals this season. “I’m leaving no regrets, man. “[I’m] doing every single thing I can and try to get better every day. Best offseason I've had. Year five in the offense. I know what I'm doing. I’m leaving no stone unturned.”

We’ll see if Dillon can turn his strong first impression into a strong season. His future will be determined by how well he performs.

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