Saquon Barkley galloped his way to a record-breaking season in his first year with the Eagles helping the team win its second Super Bowl. Now in the rear-view mirror, the focus is on the 2025 season. How will the Eagles plan to manage the mileage for their star running back?
After carrying the ball a career-high 345 times en route to 2,005 yards in the regular season, the eighth-most in a single season in NFL history, history shows that the team will need contributions from others.
Of the previous eight running backs to rush for 2,000 yards, none reached 1,500 rushing yards the following season whether due to injury or fatigue. The two men most likely in line to help take the burden off Barkley are AJ Dillon and Will Shipley who pose a thunder and lightning type threat.
Thunderous Dillon
The Eagles have an interesting dynamic regarding who will help spell Barkley throughout the season. Joining the team after signing a one-year, $1.3 million contract, Dillon seems to have the inside track due to his experience in the league.
A former second-round pick out of Boston College in 2020 by Green Bay, the bruising back has amassed 2,428 yards with 16 touchdowns on the ground. Dillon is also a very solid pass catcher out of the backfield hauling in 86 receptions for 763 receiving yards and two scores in 60 career games adding another element that the Eagles can take advantage of trying to keep opposing defenses guessing.
At 6 feet tall and 247 pounds, Dillon can be utilized in short-yardage situations behind the talented offensive line that helped pave the way to Barkley’s’ successful campaign. Almost LeGarrette Blount-esque.
Dillon averaged 4.1 yards per carry during his four seasons with Green Bay and averaged just under three yards after contact per attempt. He could potentially thrive running between the tackles while opposing defenses have to gameplan to try and contain Barkley’s explosiveness to bounce any given run to the outside to paydirt.
Known as the “Quadfather or “Quadzilla“, Dillon’s mammoth quads measure at 34 inches, slightly bigger than Barkley’s, and is not afraid to show them off. This season, he is hoping he can stay healthy and put them to good use.
The injury bug has been a downside to his career so far. Dealing with a neck injury the last two years has forced the running back to miss significant time. Dillon’s last game played was December 31, 2023, after missing all of last season being on the IR. However, the 27-year-old told media after he signed with the team that he is ready to go after the long hiatus from game action.
“We met with specialists from the East Coast, West Coast, everywhere. We’re good to go. Got the green light,” Dillon said in a Zoom call with Eagles media back in December after he signed. “So, I’m excited to get here, play ball, and continue to be a part of what’s been some dominance in Philly.”
Shipley looks to take the next step with the Eagles
The lightning part of the duo comes from the former Clemson running back who did not get a ton of runway with Kenneth Gainwell in the backup role last season. Now that Gainwell is with Pittsburgh, Shipley has a chance to push Dillon for the backup and at the very least solidify himself as the No. 3 running back.
Seldom used as a rookie last season, Shipley who was a fourth-round pick made his presence felt most on special teams serving as a kick returner and a protector on the punt team. However, he showed what he could be capable of in the NFC Championship game, racking up 77 yards on just four carries and found the end zone in the 55-23 throttling of the Commanders.
According to reports, Shipley caught numerous passes out of the backfield in the two OTA sessions that were open to the media. He could also be used as a receiver in the passing game to give Jalen Hurts a release valve when dealing with pressure. Last season, Eagles running backs hauled in 53 catches, below league average last year. Shipley had four receptions in his limited playing time. However, in college, he racked up 85 over his three years with Clemson for 602 yards and two touchdowns.
Posting one of the fastest times of a running back in the 40-yard dash at 4.39 seconds at Clemson’s pro day, Shipley looks to use that speed to his advantage to provide a change of pace from Barkley and Dillon.
Getting contributions from both Dillon and Shipley will be a key piece of the offense’s success. Barkley has the ability to potentially buck the trend and put together a season with over 1,500 rushing yards following his 2K season, but having reliable backs at the ready would certainly be beneficial.
Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
