It's been a busy start to free agency for the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, who are hard at work bolstering the roster in hopes of winning a second straight Lombardi Trophy.
After extending superstar running back Saquon Barkley, the Eagles found an exciting backup in 26-year-old veteran AJ Dillon. The former Green Bay Packer couldn't play at all in 2024 due to a neck injury sustained in 2023, though he's been productive when on the field and theoretically complements Barkley well.
Fortunately for the Eagles, Dillon spoke to the media on Friday and put any concerns about his health to bed.
AJ Dillon said he met with specialists throughout the country: "We got the green light. Good to go." pic.twitter.com/2rqmdaQAgo
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) March 14, 2025
New Eagles RB AJ Dillon Says He's Healthy After Missing 2024 With Injury
According to Dillon, he met with specialists around the country and has been cleared. "We got the green light," he said. "Good to go."
That's excellent news for the 26-year-old back out of Boston College, as his skillset should fit well with Philadelphia's stout offensive line. He's a bruising back who relies on power to mow down opponents, wearing down defenses as the game goes on.
He eclipsed 600 rushing yards in three straight seasons, adding production through the air as well while being a stout red zone option. After losing Kenneth Gainwell, the Eagles needed a Barkley backup they could feel confident about and Dillon serves that purpose. His best campaign came in 2021 as he notched 1,116 yards from scrimmage and seven TDs, though he'll hope to improve on those numbers as a change-of-pace option to Barkley.
Neck injuries are always worrisome, so it's a blessing that Dillon has met with enough doctors to feel confident. He'll get an entire offseason to learn the system and work with the coaching staff, hopefully suggesting he'll hit the ground running this fall.
Either way, Dillon is officially back and Philadelphia is better off for it.