Eagles Make Big Move At Running Back Alongside Saquon Barkley

The Philadelphia Eagles dominated the Kansas City Chiefs with defense in the Super Bowl, but it was clear that their rushing attack was one of the best in the NFL in 2024. Saquon Barkley had a career year in his first season with the team, and Jalen Hurts was once again one of the best short-yardage players in football.

The Eagles were able to turn last year’s prized free agency signing into a Super Bowl championship, and they’ve recently acquired another player at the position.  According to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the Eagles are signing former Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon. The move comes after the Eagles lost their previous backup running back Kenneth Gainwell to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

A day after losing Kenneth Gainwell to Pittsburgh, the #Eagles go after AJ Dillon to be in the RB room with reigning Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley. https://t.co/ZBGmqS2wQd

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 12, 2025

Dillon was selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and played behind Aaron Jones for most his time in Green Bay. Last season, Dillon missed the year with a neck injury that kept him out for the season, but says he’s “good to go” for 2025.

The Packers also signed Josh Jacobs to occupy the same role once held by Jones, and it seems to be working after their offensive success last season. The Eagles will look to lighten the load on Saquon Barkley after his incredible 2024 season.  Barkley was limited to only 57 yards in the Super Bowl,, but he ended with more than 2,000 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. He is only the ninth player in NFL history to accomplish the feat, and it’s a pretty safe bet to assume that he’ll be joining seven of them – and likely Derrick Henry – in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Dillon will look to bounce back for the Eagles next season, who have also lost key contributors like Milton Williams and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.  We’ll see how the Eagles and Packers fare this season after their two meetings last year. Philadelphia was able to come out on top in both occasions, signaling just how dominant of a team they were last season.  As for Barkley, he may not need to rush for 2,000 yards for the Eagles offense to be where it needs to be in 2025.