Jets Targeting Aaron Rodgers Ex Teammate To Help Running Game?

The New York Jets may look to another former Green Bay Packers key offensive player to help rebuild their scoring unit at the start of free agency.

With the NFL’s legal tampering free agency period just hours from its commencement, the New York Jets will be hard at work in attempting to identify veteran who are capable of leading the Jets back to the playoffs. 

Though the collective eyes of the fan base, and perhaps the scouts, focused on improving Gang Green’s beleaguered offensive line, New York will also be searching for some offensive to make life a bit easier for starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. 

In fact, one local outlet believes that the Jets may be smart to consider Green Bay Packers running back — and former Rodgers teammate — AJ Dillon.

Photo by Jared C. Tilton

“The Jets could add a stronger RB2 to complement Breece Hall, who nearly cracked 1,000 rushing yards as a sophomore, after the Dalvin Cook experiment clearly didn't pan out, wrote NBC 4 New York. Dillon, who will be 26 in 2024, makes sense as a former Packer who brings more power running to the fold. Dillon rushed for 613 yards and averaged 3.4 yards per carry last season alongside Aaron Jones, so his price should be affordable for New York.” 

Hall is a four-year veteran who joined the NFL as the Packers second-round (No. 62 overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft. Since that time, he has served as a solid complementary runner to lead back Aaron Jones. The Boston College product has compiled 2428 yards on 597 carries with 16 rushing touchdowns. He also been an effective backfield receiver, earning 86 catches for 763 yards for two scores. 

Jets Free Agency Plan: First Steps?

Despite the presence of feature back Breece Hall, New York is entering 2024 a bit thin at the position — especially when it comes to deploying a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Unsurprisingly, Hall led the way in the category last season by catching 76 passes for 591 yards and four touchdowns. The production dropped significantly thereafter, with Dalvin Cook (who was released in December) catching 15 throws for 78 yards and Michael Carter [released in November] who also earned 15 receptions for 68 yards. Neither Cook, nor Carter logged a receiving touchdown.

Behind Hall, the Jets currently employ Israel Abanikanda, Xazavian Valladay and Jacques Patrick on their running back depth chart. 

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