Packers 2022 offseason position review: Running backs
Even after losing Jamaal Williams in free agency, the Green Bay Packers had a ground game they could lean on in the 2021 season.
As we continue our Packers offseason position reviews, we look back at the excellent 2021 both Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon had, while also looking ahead at what’s next.
Thankfully, despite all the offseason uncertainty in Green Bay, they should at least have some continuity at running back.
2021 season review
There were high expectations for the running back duo of Jones and Dillon, and they delivered. Both players had over 1,000 total yards. According to the Packers’ official Twitter account, it’s only the fourth time a RB duo has achieved this in Packers franchise history.
.@Showtyme_33 (1,190) & @ajdillon7 (1,049) became only the fourth RB duo in #Packers history & the first since Eddie Lee Ivery/Gerry Ellis in 1980 to both post 1,000-plus yards from scrimmage in the same season.#GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/B9MzCJx6au
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 3, 2022
Dillon was just ahead in rushing, carrying the ball 187 times for 803 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry. Jones had 171 attempts for 799 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry.
Jones had the edge in receiving with 52 catches for 391 yards and six touchdowns. Dillon also contributed in the passing game with 34 receptions for 313 yards and two touchdowns.
Their running styles complemented each other perfectly. Together, Jones and Dillon gave the Packers a thunder-and-lightning combination.
What’s next in 2022?
There’s no reason why they won’t pick up where they left off in 2022. Both running backs are under contract and there’s no need for Green Bay to change anything.
It’s possible Jones could be entering his final year in Green Bay — his cap hit jumps up to $19.25 million in 2023, per Over The Cap, and the Packers can comfortably get out of the deal by then. But the Packers would actually pay more on the salary cap if they moved on this offseason, so he’ll be back.
Depth is perhaps the only concern. Kylin Hill was out most of the season with a torn ACL. Hopefully, he’ll be able to return in time for training camp and the preseason.
Maybe Green Bay adds some competition for the third spot in the offseason, but the 1-2 punch of Jones and Dillon in the backfield is as good as any in the NFL. That should continue next season.