Philadelphia Eagles Secure Their First Free Agency Signing
Eagles Add Power to Their Backfield with A.J. Dillon The Philadelphia Eagles have officially made their first move in NFL free agency by signing former Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon to a one-year contract. This addition comes shortly after the team lost backup running back Kenneth Gainwell to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to NBC Sports’ Dave Zangaro, the Eagles are bringing in Dillon, a powerful rusher, to add depth and physicality to their backfield. “The Eagles are signing RB A.J. Dillon (6-0, 247) to a one-year deal, a league source confirms. Dillon is a big back who missed all of 2024 with a neck injury,” Zangaro reported.
A.J. Dillon’s Journey: From Green Bay to Philadelphia Dillon’s tenure with the Packers was a rollercoaster ride. Drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Green Bay envisioned him as a future starter. However, despite being a serviceable rotational running back, he never quite lived up to those expectations.
His career in Green Bay saw him record 597 carries for 2,428 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns over four seasons. Additionally, he contributed in the passing game with 86 receptions for 763 yards and two touchdowns.
Unfortunately, Dillon suffered a significant setback when a preseason shoulder injury ruled him out for the entire 2024 campaign. Now fully recovered, the 26-year-old is eager to make an impact with the Eagles.
Dillon’s Fit in the Eagles’ Offense Philadelphia’s rushing attack has been a staple of their offensive success in recent years. With the departure of Gainwell, the Eagles needed a reliable power back to complement their existing backfield options. Dillon fits the mold perfectly, bringing a bruising running style that thrives in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
While he may not offer the breakaway speed or elite playmaking ability of other top-tier running backs, Dillon is known for his consistency. As A to Z Sports’ Packers expert Wendell Ferreira put it, “If you need four yards from him, he will give you four yards. If you need 12 yards from him, he will give you four yards. But for the right price, it’s not an absurd bet.”
Why the Packers Moved On Despite Dillon’s solid contributions, the Packers ultimately decided to move in a different direction. Green Bay had initially drafted him as insurance for Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams, both of whom were nearing the end of their contracts at the time. However, as Jones re-signed and Williams departed, Dillon’s role became more defined as a backup rather than a lead back.
When the Packers parted ways with Jones in the 2024 offseason, they prioritized signing Josh Jacobs rather than elevating Dillon to the primary role. That decision, coupled with his injury woes, ultimately led to Dillon’s departure from Green Bay.
A Fresh Start for Dillon in Philadelphia Now in Philadelphia, Dillon has a prime opportunity to revitalize his career. The Eagles’ offensive line has long been one of the best in the NFL, and running behind a unit of that caliber could help him maximize his potential.
If Dillon stays healthy, he could provide a valuable one-two punch in the Eagles’ backfield, offering power and durability that complements the team’s other rushing threats. His ability to grind out tough yards could prove essential, especially in critical short-yardage situations and late-game scenarios.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season With the Eagles making moves to solidify their roster, all eyes will be on how Dillon integrates into the offensive scheme. While expectations should be tempered given his previous limitations, Philadelphia is betting that a change of scenery and a strong supporting cast can help him reach new heights.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Eagles’ running back situation remains fluid. However, Dillon’s addition provides depth and experience to a backfield looking to maintain its dominance. If he can stay on the field and contribute, this one-year deal could prove to be a smart investment for Philadelphia.
