The Indianapolis Colts saw former running back Zack Moss depart in free agency to the Cincinnati Bengals. While Moss wasn't above star Jonathan Taylor on the depth chart, he proved that having additional talent in the offensive backfield can pay off. With Moss gone from the roster, Indy might want to add another skilled running back to complement Taylor and second year receiving specialist Evan Hull.
Per Bet Wisconsin, the Colts are one of the favorites to land current Green Bay Packers free agent running back A.J. Dillon.
More of the power runner, Dillon is a strong ballcarrier who can get the tough yards and punch through contact at the line of scrimmage. In four years with the Packers, Dillon shared the backfield with Aaron Jones and accumulated 597 rushes for 2,428 yards (4.1 avg) and 16 rushing scores. He also added 86 receptions for 763 yards and two more touchdowns (18 all-purpose).
Dillon would inherit a surging offensive line that returned to form in 2023. Players like guard Quenton Nelson, center Ryan Kelly, and tackle Braden Smith would help Dillon bounce back from his career-low 3.4 yards per carry in 2023. Also, a mobile signal-caller like Anthony Richardson could amplify Dillon's impact and get him in more one-on-one situations where his physicality could take over.
Dillon is only 25 years old and could fit Shane Steichen's scheme well. You also have each of the key weapon types in the backfield with quarterback Richardson. Taylor is the all-around star, Hull is the receiving specialist, and Dillon is the short-yardage bruiser. Could this be a deal that Chris Ballard is willing to make? It does add another factor to the offense and could pay off when the Colts are in the red zone or on the goal line. We'll see what the Indy front office decides to do with the former second-round pick available to sign.
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