Should Cowboys Sign Packers 'Power Back' AJ Dillon in Free Agency?
Last offseason, the Dallas Cowboys chose to cut running back Ezekiel Elliott in favor of Tony Pollard, who had risen from scat-back extraordinaire to a back ready to take on the reins of a rushing attack.
However, Pollard’s offseason surgery seemed to linger into the season, sapping the Cowboys of explosiveness in the backfield and ultimately falling short of expectations. A stronger second half would help him surpass the 1,000-yard marker, but his future in Frisco is uncertain given his pending free agency.
Could Dallas look elsewhere in free agency?
Nov 13, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon (28) during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field.
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys spent a portion of the season struggling to win in short-yardage situations and the red zone. In part, it felt like Dallas missed Elliott’s proclivity for navigating through traffic and gaining tough yards.
If the Cowboys are looking to recapture that skill set, it may be best to move on from Pollard. Yet, it is worth noting that shifting gears may mean two running backs are brought in rather than one. Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is a star, but his price point may cause teams to balk.
Rather, the best way to secure a physical runner in the backfield may be at the discount rack of free agency.
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon fits the bill. It’s fair to question his ability to generate the big play, as he posted below-average marks for acceleration at the NFL Scouting Combine and has never run for more than a 40-yard gain. Where he fits, though, is as the toughest part of a committee that complements his physicality with home-run potential.
Dillon is as consistent as he is powerful, playing well in the mold of “if you need one yard, he’ll get you four yards, if you need seven yards, he’ll get you four yards.”
Simply put, he’s not here to make guys miss, he’s here to punish players in the box and score touchdowns. He only managed two this past season – the writing on the wall for his Packers tenure – but managed 12 over the two years prior.
Dillon’s game isn’t in third-down responsibilities, but he does enough as a receiver and blocker to be playable when necessary. Additionally, he has just three fumbles on his 683 career touches, providing an extra layer of security.
Projected to earn a two-year deal worth a total of $8 million by Pro Football Focus, Dillon wouldn’t break the bank. As second fiddle in a hypothetical committee, Dallas could benefit from a consistent, cheap option like Dillon as they search for a more explosive counterpart.
