The Philadelphia Eagles are returning to the playoffs to defend their Super Bowl title, but they haven’t gotten much of a lift from their free agent class. One year after finding gems such as Zack Baun and Mekhi Becton, the Eagles have had a lot of buyer’s remorse, especially in the case of backup running back AJ Dillon.
Dillion was signed this past offseason to provide depth behind Saquon Barkley but his first season in Philadelphia hasn’t gone to plan. While Dillon hasn’t done much, he may have an opportunity for a big audition after Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on Wednesday that the Eagles will rest multiple starters in their regular season finale against the Washington Commanders.
With Barkley likely to be one of those starters, it gives Dillon a chance to show his worth and potentially grab the attention needed to secure a job in 2026 – whether it be in Philadelphia or somewhere else.
AJ Dillon Could Earn a 2026 Job in Eagles’ Regular Season Finale
Dillon was an interesting signing considering he missed all of the 2024 season after suffering a neck injury with the Green Bay Packers. When doctors cleared him to play this year, he signed a one-year, $1.33 million contract with the Eagles but he’s managed just 12 carries for 60 yards over six games this season.
An even more damning development is that Dillon hasn’t even been active on gamedays. His last carry came in a Week 6 loss to the New York Giants and he’s been leaped on the depth chart by backup Will Shipley and midseason trade acquisition Tank Bigsby. With Bigsby also adding value on special teams, Dillon has had to wait his turn, which could come Sunday against the Commanders.
The Commanders have had defensive problems all year long, but one of their biggest issues has been stopping the run. Washington ranks 28th in rushing yards per attempt (4.8) and 31st in rushing yards per game (145.7) this season and it shouldn’t take much for Dillon or any reserve to put up big numbers against Dan Quinn’s unit.
If the Eagles choose to go far down the depth chart, Dillon could see the field on Sunday. With the Commanders’ defensive struggles, Dillon could put some good tape on the resume and at least earn an opportunity to be in a training camp next summer, which isn’t a given considering he is far removed from the time he ran for 2,428 yards and 16 touchdowns in four seasons with the Packers.
But as a former second-round pick, Dillon will get a few more opportunities than the average player. Set to turn 28 in May, Sunday’s game could be a huge chance for Dillon to show he isn’t done and has some gas left in the tank.