Chargers Predicted To Land Former Second-Round Pick RB In Free Agency

The Bolts are predicted to land this long-time backup running back.

We're less than five days away from the start of the 2024 NFL free agency season. This free-agency will be jam-packed with storylines and player movement. Although there are a ton of star players who will enter free agency and will likely find a new home, this class is loaded with depth. 

While all eyes will be on the star players, and the Bolts are linked to a couple, Alex Kay of Bleacher Report believes the Bolts will be more low-key when it comes to adding talent, specifically at the running back position. That means no Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, or even the return of Austin Ekeler to the powder blue. Instead, Kay believes the Bolts will go with someone more affordable, like Green Bay Packers running back and former second-round draft pick AJ Dillion. 

Here is Kay's reasoning behind Dillion to LA. 

After playing in the shadow of Aaron Jones for the last four seasons, AJ Dillon could finally burst out in 2024. The 6'0", 247-pound running back had done well with his limited touches until disappointment struck this past season. Despite earning the largest snap share of his career and drawing six starts, Dillon averaged only 3.4 yards per carry. Dillon could land with a cash-strapped team hoping to get starter-caliber production at a backup cost. Predicted to earn just $3.5 million annually on his second contract, the 25-year-old makes sense for the Los Angeles Chargers—a franchise that is likely to part ways with Austin Ekeler and is more than $25 million over the cap at the onset of the new league year.

Predicted Landing Spot: Los Angeles Chargers

—Alex Kay, via Bleacher Report

Dillion would provide some depth to the Bolts backfield, but it's not the punch they need, especially in this new era they are entering. Not only that, but Dillion failed to establish himself as a premier back in the league, with Packers RB1 Aaron Jones missing some time in 2023. He was medicore at best and struggled to find his groove all season long. 

There is a chance Dillion could return to Green Bay on a discount, but going younger may be best for the Packers. The potential addition of Dillion makes sense for the Bolts on the money side of things, but it doesn't make sense outside of that. 

The Bolts already have a ton of young running backs who failed to make the best of their opportunity; why bring in another player who can't do the same? The 25-year-old rushed for 613 yards on 178 attempts for an average of 3.4 yards and two touchdowns. All of his numbers dropped from the 2022 season.