Eagles To Sign RB AJ Dillon

The Eagles are signing former Packers running back AJ Dillon, per FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz. Dillon will come over after five Packers seasons, though 2024 did not involve any playing time. It is a one-year deal, ESPN.com’s Tim McManus tweets.

A four-year Aaron Jones complementary back, Dillon held a regular role in Green Bay as a power threat inside. Although no doubt existed about Jones’ status as the Packers’ 1-A option, Dillon did not go away — much to some fantasy GMs’ chagrin — as a between-the-tackles grinder and frequent red zone option. He will now join an Eagles team with a potential RB2 opening.

Philly lost longtime backup Kenneth Gainwell to a Pittsburgh deal Tuesday. The team’s backfield obviously still revolves around Saquon Barkley, a recent extension recipient, but Gainwell worked as the primary backup to he and D’Andre Swift over the past two seasons. Will Shipley could be in store for a bigger role, though the Clemson alum does not exactly share a skillset with Dillon.

Dillon, 27 in May, produced three 600-plus-yard seasons in Green Bay. Not efficient on Jones’ level, but Dillon still delivered similarly productive seasons in 2021 and 2022, totaling 803 yards in ’22 and 770 in ’23. The former second-round pick combined for 12 touchdowns in that span, helping the Packers transition to a younger receiving corps in that period. After a slightly less productive 2023, the Boston College alum suffered an injury that kept him off the field throughout 2024.

The Packers re-signed Dillon last year but did on the seldom-used four-year qualifying offer. Dillon was tied to a $2.74MM deal last season, but he resided on IR all year. This contract may not even match that, but the Eagles obviously present a great opportunity for running backs. Barkley stayed healthy last year, but the ex-Giant has certainly dealt with a host of injuries during his career. Barkley also led the NFL with 378 touches last season, potentially sounding some alarm bells. Dillon will attempt to earn a backup role, which may be quite important for the 2025 Eagles.