In Philadelphia, the Eagles’ running back room has a new weapon that could elevate an already elite rushing attack led by Saquon Barkley, who rushed for a historic 2,005 yards in 2024, becoming just the ninth player in NFL history to surpass 2,000 yards in a season. Enter A.J. Dillon, nicknamed “Quadzilla” for his massive 6-foot, 247-pound frame and tree-trunk quadriceps that strike fear into defenders. As fellow running back Will Shipley put it, “He’s 250 coming at you downhill. I wouldn’t want to tackle that.”
Dillon, a former second-round pick of the Green Bay Packers, brings a unique blend of power, speed, and versatility to the Eagles. After missing the 2024 season due to a neck injury, Dillon was medically cleared and signed a one-year contract with Philadelphia in the spring of 2025. His addition not only provides depth but also introduces a terrifying new dimension to the Eagles’ offense and special teams, including a surprising role as a kickoff returner.
A Complementary Force to Barkley
Last season, Barkley shouldered a heavy workload with 482 touches, including playoffs, far surpassing his previous career high of 377 touches in 2022 with the New York Giants. The Eagles leaned heavily on Barkley because backups Kenny Gainwell and Will Shipley weren’t equipped to handle a significant share of the load. Gainwell, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was primarily a receiving back, while Shipley was a rookie still finding his footing.
Dillon changes that dynamic. From 2021 to 2023 with the Packers, he rushed for over 600 yards each season while sharing carries with 1,000-yard rusher Aaron Jones. Together, Dillon and Jones combined for roughly 350 carries per season, a number comparable to Barkley’s 345 carries in 2024. With Dillon’s proven ability to handle a substantial workload—logging at least 178 carries in each of those three seasons—the Eagles can reduce Barkley’s touches without sacrificing production.
“I’ve always said tired guys fumble,” Eagles running back coach Jemal Singleton said. “That’s where the depth of our position becomes really important. It’s not always just going to be Saquon. We need that next guy, or that third guy, to step in at times and make sure we don’t skip a beat.” Dillon’s presence allows the Eagles to keep Barkley fresh, potentially making him even more explosive while improving the overall running game.
Quadzilla’s Scary New Role: Kickoff Returner
Beyond his contributions as a traditional running back, Dillon is being tested in an unconventional role: kickoff returner. Under the NFL’s new kickoff rules instituted in 2024, which encourage more returns by altering the setup to resemble a running play, Dillon’s skillset is a perfect fit. “The new kick return rule, if you look at it from a running back perspective, it’s kind of like running an inside zone,” Dillon explained. “You get the ball and you go get vertical.”
Eagles special teams coordinator Michael Clay highlighted the intimidating prospect of Dillon in this role: “Would you guys want to try tackle a guy that’s 240 pounds running straight downhill at you? He has the ball in his hands a lot of times (as a running back), and ball security is imperative, especially on kickoff return.” Dillon’s combination of size, speed, and ball-handling experience makes him a nightmare for opposing special teams units. During training camp on July 29, 2025, Dillon showcased his physicality, running over would-be tacklers in the Eagles’ first padded practice.
A Versatile Weapon in a Loaded Offense
Dillon’s value extends beyond his power running. He’s a capable pass-catcher and has the speed to break off big plays, making him a versatile piece in an already dynamic Eagles offense. “We have a lot of awesome weapons on this offense,” Dillon said. “As far as my individual ability, I feel like I can pride myself on being able to do anything out of the backfield, and I’ve done that throughout my career, whether that’s catching passes or running.”
This versatility aligns with head coach Nick Sirianni’s philosophy of managing player workloads to minimize injury risk while maximizing performance. When asked about the sustainability of quarterback Jalen Hurts’ running style, Sirianni extended the logic to Barkley: “We’ll rest them Monday through Saturday (during the practice week). We’ll get them ready for the game, we’ll get them ready for practices, and then we’ll do what we need to do to win football games.” With Dillon and a developing Shipley as reliable backups, the Eagles can distribute carries more evenly, keeping their star running back healthy and effective.
A Win-Win for the Eagles’ Rushing Attack
The addition of Dillon doesn’t just lighten Barkley’s load—it has the potential to make the Eagles’ running game even more dominant. While Barkley will remain the focal point, Dillon’s ability to churn out tough yards and contribute in multiple facets ensures the offense remains unpredictable. His experimental role as a kickoff returner adds an element of surprise, forcing defenses and special teams units to prepare for a 247-pound freight train charging up the field.
As Dillon put it, “It’s always great when you’re on a team with a lot of weapons. It keeps the defense guessing.” With Quadzilla complementing Barkley’s brilliance, the Eagles’ backfield is poised to be a nightmare for opponents in 2025—whether Dillon is plowing through tacklers in the red zone or barreling down the field on a kickoff return.