Coming off a 2023 season in which they surprised a lot of people, the Green Bay Packers are heading into an important offseason. The foundation of their team is in place, as they were the youngest roster in the NFL. Now, it is time to upgrade around that core with some veteran pieces to take the team to the next level.
There are a few areas of the team, such as the secondary and offensive line, that could use some reinforcements. Injuries hit both areas hard, pressing players into prominent roles that weren’t expected to play too much. While some thrived, upgrades are certainly needed.
Another potential need for the team is at running back. AJ Dillon is set to hit free agency and there is a chance the team has to move on from Aaron Jones as well. Jones took a pay cut to remain in Green Bay in 2023 but carries a massive cap hit of just over $17 million for 2024.
NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Tony Pollard, 2024 NFL Free Agency, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers Updates
Projected to be slightly over the salary cap currently, Jones could be a cap casualty this offseason. Whether or not the team can work something out to bring him back, running back is a need with Dillon hitting the market.
Who could they have their eyes on this offseason as a replacement? One player to keep an eye on is Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys. David Kenyon of Bleacher Report believes Dallas could go in a different direction, leaving Pollard free to explore the market.
“Based on his upside, the Cowboys should not be quick to move on. Pollard can still be a productive back in Dallas. After yet another postseason flop, however, Jerry Jones will be desperate to make changes. That may lead to Jones targeting a high-profile running back, such as Derrick Henry or Austin Ekeler.
Should the Cowboys decide not to keep him, Pollard would be a great target — especially for an offense that may lose a running back on the market. For example, the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Chargers may need to replace AJ Dillon and Ekeler, respectively,” wrote Kenyon.
Pollard struggled at times with the Cowboys in 2023 after a breakout 2022 campaign. The biggest difference was that he was the unquestioned lead back with Ezekiel Elliott being released. Pairing up with a dynamic back such as Jones could be best for Pollard’s production.
NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Tony Pollard, 2024 NFL Free Agency, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers Updates
But, if the Packers move on from both Dillon and Jones, Pollard represents a solid replacement as a lead back. While his production wasn’t as prominent, he has the skill set to step into the lineup and do what the team was asking of Jones as a dual threat out of the backfield.
Replacing someone of Jones’ caliber certainly isn’t an easy task, but Pollard possesses some serious upside. But, some people will be asking if 2022 was a fluke, not the norm for the Memphis product.
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