Running back A.J. Dillon is making a fresh start with the Carolina Panthers, signing a one-year deal worth $1.34 million. After a challenging stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dillon is set to provide depth behind Saquon Barkley.
Dillon's journey last season was anything but smooth. After missing the entire 2024 season due to a neck injury, he returned to the Eagles as the RB2, averaging an impressive 5.3 yards per carry over the first five games.
However, a tough outing against the Giants in Week 6, where he muffed a kickoff and lost a fumble, saw him lose his spot to Tank Bigsby. Dillon's role diminished significantly, only seeing the field again during a non-critical game against Washington.
Off the field, Dillon made headlines with his attempt to boost team morale by bringing a 12-foot inflatable “positivity rabbit” into the locker room. Despite his good intentions, the move didn't quite work out as planned, coinciding with a loss to the Chargers.
Reflecting on the incident, Dillon explained, “I was trying to lighten the mood and get the guys laughing. The vibes were high, but it just didn’t pan out.”
During his time with the Packers, Dillon was a force, racking up 2,428 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns over four years. But his tenure with the Eagles saw a dip in production, ending with just 60 rushing yards.
In Carolina, Dillon will join a crowded backfield that includes Chuba Hubbard, who rushed for over 1,000 yards last year, and promising young talents Jonathan Brooks and Trevor Etienne. Meanwhile, the Eagles maintain a strong running back lineup with Barkley, Bigsby, Will Shipley, and Carson Steele.
Dillon's move to the Panthers is part of a broader exodus from the Eagles, with 11 unrestricted free agents, including notable names like Nakobe Dean and Reed Blankenship, signing with other teams. The Eagles still have several free agents on the market, such as Brandon Graham and Adoree’ Jackson, yet to find new homes.
As Dillon looks to carve out a new chapter in Carolina, fans will be eager to see if he can recapture the form that made him a standout in Green Bay.