One of the more mysterious decisions around the Philadelphia Eagles' 2025 season has been the continued presence of AJ Dillon. The back has been given only 50 offensive snaps the entire season, playing only two snaps since Week 7. Still, Philly has opted to keep Dillon on the roster despite not having the back active for most of the second half of the season. This is due to the emergence of Tank Bigsby, who has provided far more than Dillon. Added to this is the fact that Will Shipley offers more upside as a pass catcher and remains an interesting development option.
For Dillon, the results have reflected the reasons behind the Eagles' going in a different direction. This included a key fumble against a New York Giants team that would pull off the surprising upset. All of this, along with Dillon being a non-factor in the passing game, combined to make it obvious that the franchise should turn the page. Instead, the Eagles are heading into the playoffs with the same depth chart at the position despite Dillon having zero chance of making an impact if Philly remains healthy.
Even in a game against the Washington Commanders, where head coach Nick Sirianni opted to pull his starters, Dillon was only afforded two snaps. With playoff positioning on the line, it was Bigsby and Shipley who handled the bulk of the workload. The two playmakers combined for 64 of Philadelphia's offensive snaps, leaving only two for a player whose outlook isn't changing heading into the playoffs.
Eagles' AJ Dillon Continues to Hang onto Roster Spot Entering Playoffs
Dillon is simply being kept as emergency depth, and his status won't change when the Eagles enter the playoffs. Looking at recent snaps and results, it seems that Bigsby is going to get the call when Saquon Barkley needs a breather. It simply is impossible to see any path to Dillon making his way onto the field or changing anything in the wildcard round.
This points to a head-scratching decision from GM Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia coaching staff to continue to retain a player they haven't played since the first weeks of the season. Dillon's fumble against the Giants appeared to be all that Philly needed to be convinced the veteran back had no place on the field for the Eagles offense.
While this is hard to argue against, it does make deciding to retain the benched playmaker all the more confusing. It is a roster spot that could be utilized for an unknown player or a proven veteran hunting for a ring, willing to take a backseat. Either scenario offers you more potential upside than holding onto a player who simply has no chance to take the field if Philly's backfield is healthy.
It is a confusing scenario that will continue into the playoffs, but offers Dillon no better path with the franchise clearly focusing on its first three options and the legs of Jalen Hurts in round one.