The Philadelphia Eagles are entering a new era on offense in 2026, and with Sean Mannion stepping in as offensive coordinator, change is coming - and fast. That change could spell trouble for some players on the margins of the roster, especially with free agency looming just weeks away.
One name to keep an eye on? Running back Will Shipley.
Now, the big headlines are understandably focused on the stars - A.J. Brown remains a centerpiece, and the offensive line, long known for its power-based approach, will need to adapt to Mannion’s zone-heavy system.
But it’s not just the top-tier talent feeling the pressure. Depth players like Shipley are very much in the spotlight as the Eagles retool their offensive identity.
Shipley’s Fit in the New Offense
Shipley, a fourth-round pick back in 2024, hasn't made a strong case for himself through two seasons. And with Mannion expected to bring a zone-running philosophy similar to what he worked with in Green Bay, Shipley’s skill set may not be the best match.
Let’s look at the numbers. Last season, Saquon Barkley - who will remain the lead back - ran behind zone-blocking on 64.3% of his carries, per Pro Football Focus.
That’s a stark contrast to the rest of the Eagles’ backfield, which averaged a 49.4% zone rate. Over in Green Bay, where Mannion spent time under Matt LaFleur, Josh Jacobs led the way with a 57.0% zone rate, and the Packers’ backfield as a whole ran zone on 58.6% of their snaps.
While Mannion wasn’t calling plays in Green Bay, the system he’s bringing to Philly is rooted in that same zone-heavy approach. That’s important context - and it could be bad news for Shipley.
Production Hasn’t Matched Opportunity
Through two seasons, Shipley has totaled just 131 rushing yards on 44 carries - and he’s yet to find the end zone. That’s not the kind of production that earns you job security, especially on a team looking to reshape its offensive identity.
Even more concerning is his 27.3% success rate, based on Pro Football Reference’s metric that tracks how often a back gains a certain percentage of the needed yardage depending on the down. While that stat isn’t perfect - short-yardage backs can game it with one-yard plunges - it still paints a picture of a runner who’s struggled to keep the offense on schedule.
And when you look around the rest of the running back room, Shipley’s path to a roster spot gets even murkier.
Competition in the Backfield
Barkley is locked in as the lead back, and he’ll be hoping for more open lanes under Mannion than he had under former coordinator Kevin Patullo. Then there’s Tank Bigsby, who came over from Jacksonville midseason and made the most of his opportunities, racking up 344 yards and two scores on just 58 carries. That kind of efficiency and burst doesn’t go unnoticed.
That leaves what could be one final roster spot - and Shipley’s main competition might be AJ Dillon. Yes, Dillon had just 12 carries for 60 yards last year, but he knows the system.
He played in the Packers’ zone scheme and brings a physical, downhill style that could complement Barkley well. If the Eagles decide to bring him back in free agency, Shipley could be on the outside looking in.
Even if Dillon doesn’t return, the Eagles have options. They could easily dip into the draft and grab a zone-ready back in the mid-to-late rounds - and with Mannion’s system in mind, they might prioritize that kind of fit.
The Road Ahead
For Shipley, the writing is on the wall. He’ll need a standout offseason and a strong training camp just to stay in the mix. The scheme is changing, the competition is stiff, and his production to this point hasn’t given him much of a cushion.
In a league where roster spots are earned - not given - Shipley is facing a make-or-break moment. And with Mannion now shaping the offense, the clock is ticking.