The Green Bay Packers have made an unlikely run to the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. After opening the regular season 2-5, they won seven of their last ten games, including the final three, to finish 9-8. While only a one-game better over their 8-9 record in 2022, it was enough to secure the seventh and final seed in the NFC playoffs.
The Packers went on to become the NFL’s first seventh-seeded team to win a playoff game. With a game against the San Francisco 49ers, who have eliminated Green Bay from the playoffs four times since 2009, the Packers hope to extend their unusual run.
Whether or not their season finishes on Saturday or later, the 2024 Packers’ roster will undoubtedly change. In addition to many players who may become cap casualties, the team will lose some players through free agency.
One of the players that could leave Green Bay is backup running back AJ Dillon. While he enjoys playing for the Packers and has made his year-round home in Door County, Wisconsin, his on-field performance, or lack thereof, has led many to fear that the organization will opt not to award him a second contract. If this is what occurs, Packers fans have already planned a replacement.
Green Bay Packers fans want running back Derrick Henry to sign for the 2024 season.
Not surprisingly, the player that Packers fans desire as a possible successor for Dillon is the one that many thought he could have been when he was first picked in 2020: Derrick Henry is a four-time Pro Bowl running back.
Of course, it is easy to see why Henry is coveted by Packers supporters. In what could have been called a “down” year in 2023, he still managed 1,167 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. His powerful running style has helped him gather over 9,500 rushing yards in his career and would make him an excellent complement to Aaron Jones.
That being said, the Dallas Cowboys may be interested and able to offer him more money and a more prominent role.
If Henry went to Green Bay, he would share runs with Jones, although he could be a top running back almost anywhere else.
Signing him may be entertaining to consider, but it is simply not as practical as many would like to believe.
