Eagles add RB AJ Dillon on one-year contract, source says in 2025.
Eagles Add RB AJ Dillon on One-Year Contract: A Strategic Move to Bolster Their Rushing Attack
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The Philadelphia Eagles have made a significant move to enhance their running back depth by signing AJ Dillon, the powerhouse back formerly of the Green Bay Packers, to a one-year contract. According to sources familiar with the situation, Dillon will be joining the Eagles for the 2025 season, adding a unique blend of size, speed, and physicality to their already potent offense. This acquisition is expected to complement the team’s explosive offensive scheme, providing them with another weapon in their already diverse arsenal.
For the Eagles, this signing represents a strategic decision to bolster their running back rotation, especially as they look to build on their recent success and make a deep playoff push. For Dillon, this move offers the opportunity to thrive in a new environment and potentially elevate his career after spending four years with the Packers, where he was often overshadowed by other backs but still maintained a strong presence.
This article takes a deep dive into what Dillon brings to the Eagles, the motivations behind the signing, the implications for the Eagles’ offensive strategy, and what it means for Dillon’s career as he embarks on this new chapter in Philadelphia.
The Addition of AJ Dillon: A Complete Back for the Eagles Eagles Add RB
AJ Dillon, known for his bruising running style, will provide the Eagles with a much-needed physicality in their backfield. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 247 pounds, Dillon is one of the NFL’s most imposing running backs. His combination of size and speed makes him a dangerous force, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations. While he has often been compared to a fullback due to his size, Dillon has proven that he can be an effective lead back capable of carrying a significant workload, and this trait will be crucial in the Eagles’ high-powered offense.
Throughout his four years with the Packers, Dillon has shown flashes of greatness. His career has been marked by steady improvement, including a breakout year in 2021, when he rushed for over 1,100 yards and 7 touchdowns. He has developed into a reliable complement to Aaron Jones in the Packers’ backfield. Dillon’s ability to wear down defenses with his physical running style has made him an ideal candidate to contribute in the power-run game, which is a hallmark of the Eagles’ offensive philosophy.
Dillon is also an underrated receiving threat out of the backfield. Although he has not been used as frequently in the passing game as some other backs, Dillon’s hands and route-running ability have often been overlooked. In his best seasons, he has displayed the capacity to catch passes and contribute to the Eagles’ offensive versatility. This will allow Philadelphia to use him in a variety of different formations and situations, particularly on third downs or in two-back sets.
Why the Eagles Pursued Dillon Eagles Add RB
The Eagles have established themselves as one of the NFL’s premier teams over the last few seasons, with a focus on offensive balance and a strong rushing attack. They are coming off an impressive 2024 season where their dynamic quarterback, Jalen Hurts, continued to shine, and their offense proved difficult to stop. However, the Eagles’ running back depth has been an area that they have looked to improve, and adding Dillon makes perfect sense for several reasons.
1. Reducing the Load on Miles Sanders Eagles Add RB
The Eagles have a feature back in Miles Sanders, who has been a key contributor to their offensive success. However, Sanders has often been relied upon to carry the load as the team’s primary back, especially with quarterback Jalen Hurts’ running game being used sparingly. While Hurts’ dual-threat capabilities make him a key factor in the Eagles’ rushing attack, it’s crucial for the team to have a strong complement to Sanders to prevent him from being overburdened and ensure that he remains fresh throughout the long season.
By adding Dillon, the Eagles are able to share the workload in the backfield more effectively. Dillon’s ability to pound the ball between the tackles will give Sanders the occasional breather, allowing the team to stay more balanced and preventing Sanders from becoming too fatigued by the physical demands of carrying the ball on a weekly basis. With a more balanced approach, the Eagles can ensure that both backs are healthy and fresh when it matters most in the postseason.
2. Adding a Power Element to the Rushing Attack
While the Eagles have been successful with a committee-based approach in recent seasons, adding a powerful back like Dillon gives them an element of size and physicality that they didn’t have previously. Sanders is a quick and agile runner, while Hurts is a dynamic dual-threat, but the Eagles lacked a true power back capable of consistently moving the chains in short-yardage situations. Dillon can fill this gap perfectly.
His ability to grind out tough yards and break tackles makes him an ideal fit for situations where the Eagles need to pick up a few yards to convert on third down or punch the ball in for a touchdown in the red zone. Having a back like Dillon to wear down defenses will also open up the play-action passing game, which is critical in head coach Nick Sirianni’s offense. Opposing defenses will need to respect Dillon’s downhill running style, which will help create more opportunities for Hurts and his receivers to exploit defensive mismatches.
3. Depth and Flexibility in the Backfield Eagles Add RB
One of the most important aspects of any successful NFL team is having depth, particularly in the running back position. Injuries are inevitable over the course of a long season, and the Eagles have experienced their fair share of injury troubles in the past. Having multiple capable backs is essential for a team that aims to compete for a championship. Dillon’s arrival gives the Eagles more flexibility in how they structure their backfield, ensuring that if Sanders or any other running back were to miss time, Dillon could step in and assume a prominent role without the offense missing a beat.
Additionally, the ability to use multiple backs with different skill sets allows Sirianni to implement more varied offensive schemes. Dillon’s power running complements the speed and agility of Sanders, while Hurts’ dual-threat ability makes the Eagles one of the most difficult offenses to defend in the league. This added flexibility in the backfield means that the Eagles can be more unpredictable, keeping opposing defenses off balance and making it harder to key in on any one element of their offense.
What AJ Dillon Brings to the Table Eagles Add RB
Dillon’s skill set is well-rounded, but his biggest asset is undoubtedly his physical running style. As a power back, Dillon excels at running between the tackles, picking up yards after contact, and wearing down defenses as the game progresses. His imposing frame allows him to shed tackles and break through arm tackles, and he has shown the ability to break off long runs when he gains momentum.
However, Dillon is not just a pure power back. He has surprising agility for his size and has demonstrated the ability to make defenders miss in the open field. This makes him a more versatile option than just a “blunt-force” back, and his ability to contribute in the passing game is an added bonus. Dillon has shown he can be an effective checkdown option for quarterbacks, catching passes and gaining yards after the catch.
In addition to his on-field abilities, Dillon is known for his leadership and work ethic. He’s a player who brings energy to the locker room and has earned the respect of teammates for his dedication to improving every aspect of his game. As the Eagles continue to develop their culture of winning, Dillon’s experience and professionalism will only serve to strengthen their team chemistry.
What This Means for Dillon’s Career Eagles Add RB
For AJ Dillon, joining the Eagles presents an opportunity to take his career to the next level. Although he was a productive back in Green Bay, he never had the chance to fully showcase his talents as the feature back. The presence of Aaron Jones, another highly capable running back, meant that Dillon was often relegated to a complementary role. In Philadelphia, Dillon will have the opportunity to play a significant role in a high-powered offense, which could lead to an uptick in both his workload and his visibility.
This one-year contract is also a pivotal moment for Dillon’s future. As a free agent after the 2025 season, Dillon will be looking to prove his value as one of the league’s top running backs. If he can excel in Philadelphia’s system and stay healthy, he could set himself up for a lucrative contract extension or a major payday as a free agent in the following offseason. This is his chance to demonstrate that he can be a lead back in a championship-caliber offense.
Conclusion: A Strategic Move for the Eagles and Dillon
The addition of AJ Dillon to the Philadelphia Eagles’ roster is a calculated and impactful move that strengthens their backfield and deepens their offensive potential. By adding a powerful, versatile running back who can contribute both as a rusher and receiver, the Eagles are positioning themselves for continued success in the NFC. Dillon’s physicality, combined with his ability to catch passes and contribute on third downs, gives the Eagles a balanced attack that will be tough to stop.
For Dillon, this move offers the opportunity to flourish in a new system and prove himself as one of the NFL’s top running backs. The 2025 season is a critical one for him, and this one-year deal in Philadelphia could be a springboard to the next phase of his career. With the Eagles primed to make another deep playoff run, Dillon will have a significant role to play in their pursuit of a championship.
Ultimately, this signing highlights the Eagles’ commitment to building a team that is both balanced and versatile, with the necessary depth to contend for championships year after year. With Dillon now part of the equation, the Eagles’ rushing attack looks even more dangerous, and their offense continues to evolve into one of the most dynamic in the league.
