When AJ Dillon, the former Green Bay Packers running back, inked a deal with the Carolina Panthers, many saw it as a chance for him to hit the reset button on his career. Stepping in to replace Rico Dowdle, Dillon was poised to shine in a familiar RB2 role behind Chuba Hubbard, reminiscent of his productive stint in Green Bay.
However, the road to securing that spot in Carolina is anything but smooth for Dillon.
AJ Dillon's Challenge in Carolina
The Panthers' backfield is buzzing with competition, and Dillon finds himself in a fierce battle. Jonathon Brooks, the promising RB from Texas, is on track to participate in OTAs and minicamp.
Despite a rocky start marred by injuries, Brooks is gearing up for his third NFL season. With two ACL injuries behind him, the Panthers are eager to see if he can fulfill the potential that warranted a second-round pick.
Adding to the mix is Trevor Etienne, a former Georgia standout. Though his rookie year saw limited action, Etienne flashed potential with an impressive 4.7 yards per carry over 20 attempts. As a recent fourth-round selection, the Panthers have every reason to continue investing in his development.
For Dillon, this means a tough uphill climb. To secure a spot on the 53-man roster, he'll need to outperform either Brooks or Etienne, both of whom bring youth and upside.
A Look at Dillon's Recent Journey
Dillon's path hasn't been the smoothest in recent years. A neck injury sidelined him for the entire 2024 season, and his impact has been limited since.
A stint with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025 didn't pan out as hoped, as he struggled to secure the RB2 position, falling behind Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley in touches. This led to the Eagles moving on, opening the door for Dillon's current opportunity with the Panthers.
Now, at 28, Dillon faces the reality that running backs often struggle to rejuvenate their careers as they near their late 20s. While we've likely witnessed Dillon's peak in the NFL, the summer presents a critical window for him to defy expectations and carve out a role with his new team.