AJ Dillon isn't going anywhere. Somewhat surprisingly, the Green Bay Packers have re-signed their former second-round pick despite various reports indicating that they planned to move on.
Dillon joins Josh Jacobs in a new-look Packers backfield. Green Bay's moves this week could take running back off the list of draft-day priorities. They may still add another running back, but it's no longer a significant need.
However, there's more to the story. Dillon is back in Green Bay, but the terms of his contract aren't seen often in the NFL. The Packers are using a rare contract rule to bring back Dillon.
Packers used rare four-year qualifying offer on AJ Dillon
Dillon accepted a team-friendly deal to remain in Green Bay. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Packers used a four-year qualifying offer to re-sign Dillon.
You might be thinking, what does that mean?
Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Dillon's base salary can't go over $2.58 million, and the Packers will pay around $1.1 million on the salary cap. It's a bargain deal, and one has to wonder whether another team would've offered Dillon more money.
According to Anthony Holzman-Escareno of NFL.com, a four-year qualifying contract can only be offered to free agents with at least four credited seasons. The deal is worth up to $1.35 million more than the minimum salary for the position.
It's an incredibly team-friendly contract. The Packers can't lose.
But what about Dillon? It's hard to imagine another team wouldn't have offered him a better deal. Dillon loves playing for the Packers and has embraced the Wisconsin lifestyle since the team drafted him in 2020. He quickly became a fan favorite, so perhaps he took a hometown discount to return.
It's great to have Dillon back. The Packers landed one of the bargains of free agency.