Earlier this week, it was reported that former Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon had been medically cleared to return to NFL play. He had missed the entire 2024 season after sustaining in neck injury in a preseason game last year.
With Josh Jacobs signed for the next three seasons, the Packers were in absolutely no position to be on the market for a starting-caliber running back, especially after he made the Pro Bowl last year. Additionally, Emanuel Wilson performed well as Jacobs’ backup, rushing for 502 yards and four touchdowns.
Of course, Green Bay also used a third round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on running back Marshawn Lloyd, who spent most of last season injured, but will be ready to contribute in 2025.
In other words, while Dillon had been medically cleared to play, it was not going to be with the Packers.
Former Green Bay Packers Running Back AJ Dillon Has Signed with the Philadelphia Eagles
On Wednesday evening, it was reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz that Dillon had agreed to a one-year contract with the reigning Super Bowl Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles:
BREAKING: Former #Packers RB AJ Dillon is signing with the #Eagles, per sources.
Dillon, just 26 years old, has 2,428 yards and 18 total TDs. pic.twitter.com/alrvFzyRV1
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 12, 2025
Obviously, Dillon will not be a starter in Philadelphia as the Eagles boast Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley, who ran for 2,000 yards last season.
That being said, the Champs did lose their backup running back Kenneth Gainwell in free agency to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dillon will get the opportunity to resurrect his NFL career behind one of the best offensive lines in the game.
Pairing Barkley and Dillon together is interesting because, years ago, many fans debated over which one of them had the biggest quad muscles. Now they are on the same team.
Dillon’s best season in the NFL came in 2021, his second year with the Packers, when he and teammate Aaron Jones accomplished the rare feat of each amassing over 1,000 all-purpose yards. For his part, the 2020 second round pick had 803 rushing yards and 313 receiving yards that year, as well as seven total touchdowns.
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