Dillon missed the 2024 season with a neck injury

On the first day of the new league year, the Philadelphia Eagles signed former Green Bay Packers running back and second-round pick A.J. Dillon on a one-year deal.

Last offseason, Dillon re-signed on a one-year deal with the Packers, following his rookie contract, on the seldom-used four-year qualifying offer, which allowed Green Bay to pay him $1.45 million more than would ever hit their salary cap.

Over the first four years of his NFL career, Dillon played in 60 games and started 11, recording 597 rushing attempts for 2,328 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.

He was one of the most-used running back #2s in the league, splitting carries — particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations — with Aaron Jones.

In 2024, the Packers’ backfield was completely reshaped when Jones was released from the team for cap relief, Josh Jacobs was signed as a free agent and MarShawn Lloyd was drafted in the third round.

Going into the year, though, Dillon was still expected to be Jacobs’ RB2 until a neck injury led to him going on the injured reserve in August. Previously, Dillon suffered a stinger in Week 17 of the 2023 season.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Dillon has “received clearance from the top neck specialist in the country.”

Dillon certainly won’t start over All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley.

The Eagles only have one other running back on the roster, though: 2024 fourth-round pick Will Shipley. As it stands, he has a decent chance to make the roster as long as Philadelphia doesn’t draft a running back in April.

Currently, the details of Dillon’s contract have yet to be announced, but considering his injury history and the market for him last time he was a free agent, it’s unlikely that he’ll be paid enough to impact the Packers’ compensatory pick standing in 2026.