AJ Dillon sends a clear message after Packers' insulting offer

AJ Dillon has a lot to prove this summer.

Dillon's 2023 season didn't go as he had hoped. The former second-round pick finished with a career-low 3.4 yards per attempt. When Aaron Jones wasn't available, the Green Bay Packers' run game struggled for consistency, and it's no coincidence that things picked up once he returned from injury.

To Dillon's credit, his performances also improved. Even when the box score might indicate he had a quiet game, Dillon was making important plays at crucial times, including in short-yardage situations.

Despite that, all signs pointed to Dillon signing elsewhere when his contract expired in March. The Packers surprisingly re-signed him by using a rare four-year qualifying offer. It's a one-year deal with a cap hit of just $1.29 million, with the Packers able to move on at any time and only take on a dead cap hit of $167,500.

Green Bay signed Josh Jacobs and drafted MarShawn Lloyd in the third round, potentially reducing Dillon's role on offense. However, he has responded in the perfect way.

Packers fans should be excited about AJ Dillon's social media message

Not once has Dillon complained or felt sorry for himself after the Packers made him such a low offer. Many players would've been insulted. He is entering a prove-it year, and potentially even a prove-it summer. Dillon isn't guaranteed to make the 53-man roster, as a strong training camp from Emanuel Wilson would put his spot in jeopardy.

His response is to work hard and put in good performances during the offseason. Dillon sent the perfect message on X (formerly Twitter).

"Sometimes you gotta lose yourself to find yourself again. Welcome back!" Dillon wrote.

Dillon wanted to stay in Green Bay and said he turned down offers from other teams. He is determined to prove himself and get back to his best this season. And the early signs are encouraging.

If Dillon bounces back, look out. The Packers could have the deepest running back room in football. Josh Jacobs was the NFL rushing champion only two seasons ago. Multiple teams had interest in drafting MarShawn Lloyd, and for good reason. He is a perfect change-of-pace option in this offense with his game-changing speed.

Add in Dillon, and the Packers could have an outstanding trio with plenty of options. And that's great news for Jordan Love.

Love couldn't rely on a consistent ground game for much of last season. If that changes, Green Bay's offense can reach an even higher level in 2024.

Dillon is ready to prove himself.

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