How much is AJ Dillon Paid?

Even as the passing game has taken prominence in the NFL, it has not completely eliminated the need for having a dynamic running game, one that involved players who could bust coverages and make explosive plays, while being running backs that could also pass and catch the ball.

The Green Bay Packers already had their RB1 in the form of Aaron Jones but needed thunder to complement their bottle of lightning. Which is why the franchise drafted AJ Dillon in the 2020 NFL Draft. Lovingly referred to as ‘Quadzilla’ because he has big-sized quads, Dillon attended Academy in Groton, Massachusetts where he ran riot as a running back for his high school team. Becoming the focal point of his high school football team’s offense as a sophomore, Dillon rushed for 1321 yards and 21 touchdowns while also starting at linebacker.

As a junior, he rushed for 1,887 yards and 26 touchdowns. His Senior year of HS was marred by injury, but he still managed to rush for 635 yards & 12 TDs in just 4 games. Following this, Dillon received multiple offers to play for powerhouse College Football programs. Initially committing to the Michigan Wolverines, he eventually signed with the Boston College Eagles.

With the Eagles, Dillon racked up an imperious 4,618 scrimmage yards across 3 seasons, hauling in 40 TDs - that led to Dillon being conferred with the ACC Rookie of the Year & ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year awards in his freshman season in 2017, as well being to the All-ACC first team in all 3 of his collegiate seasons. Dillon was also named to the All-American Third Team in his junior/3rd collegiate season.Forgoing his senior year of eligibility, Dillon declared for the 2020 NFL Draft, wherein he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers. In the NFL, Dillon has accumulated 2428 rushing yards, and 16 TDs across 4 of his 4 seasons in the league with the Packers.

AJ Dillon Salary

For the 2023 NFL season, AJ Dillon had a base salary of $1.3 million. After bonuses, he earned just almost $1.7 million for the season, which is the last year of Dillon’s 4-year rookie deal that he signed with the Packers in 2020. Over the span of the contract, Dillon earned an average salary of $1.3 million. Post the 2023 NFL season, Dillon is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent.The bargain salaries had allowed Green Bay to allocate financial resources elsewhere while getting high-level production from Dillon at running back. But Dillon will likely command big money in free agency - significantly increasing his salary as compared to his rookie-scale contract.

AJ Dillon Draft

The Packers selected AJ Dillon with the 62nd overall pick in Round 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft. The 247-pound workhorse back drew physical comparisons to Derrick Henry after dominating collegiate defenses for three seasons at Boston College.

Dillon exhibited elite contact balance, tackle-breaking skills, competitive fire, and stamina at Boston College. In 2019 he compiled a staggering 1,685 rushing yards on 318 attempts - easily most in FBS. His rare blend of size, brute force running style, and nimbleness translated seamlessly into Green Bay's wide zone scheme.

Pairing Dillon's power with Aaron Jones' elusiveness and speed gave the Packers arguably the NFL's most formidable backfield tandem. The contrast in their styles wears down defenses, especially when running downhill at frigid Lambeau Field during the winter months.