After a quiet start to free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles have now made an external signing. It’s being reported by Jordan Schultz that the Eagles have agreed to a one-year deal with running back, AJ Dillon.
The former Packers’ power back missed all of last season due to a neck injury. He has now been cleared by the top neck specialist in the country to resume football activities just in time. Dillon was drafted by the Packers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
During his four years in Green Bay, Dillon rushed for 2,428 yards and 16 touchdowns. He averaged 4.1 yards per carry on 597 attempts before his injury. The former Boston College product will now look to bounce back and has chosen the perfect team to do it with.
The Eagles recently lost their former RB2 Kenny Gainwell who signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as opposed to returning to Philadelphia. Dillon will be sharing a backfield with the reigning Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley and an exciting young player in Will Shipley.
Dillon adds a necessary dynamic to this backfield as the Eagles now have their version of thunder and lightning with Barkley and Dillon. Dillon’s power-back style and massive quads have earned him the nickname “Quadzilla”. He was once part of a unique duo with Aaron Jones before his depature and the neck injury. In his last three seasons with Green Bay, Dillon has rushed for 600+ yards in a part-time role with 803 rushing yards being a career best back in 2021.
Coincidentally, his counterpart, Saquon Barkley, also shares the same reputation due to his massive quads and has earned the nickname, “SaQuads”. Both running backs will now cause fits for opposing defenses due to their strength alone. While Barkley’s speed and elusiveness separates the two, Dillon will be the perfect ingredient needed when it’s time rest Barkley and wear defenses out.
Saquon is coming off a historical season and could use a player like Dillon behind him. The Eagles’ offensive line will allow Dillon to have a huge bounce-back season if he can stay healthy. It will also create a bigger issue for defense in short yardage situations. As if the tush push didn’t upset opponents enough, the Eagles will now have two of the strongest quads in the league fighting for extra yards. This a big move for the offense as they head into their title defense next season.
Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
