The end of AJ Dillon's time with the Green Bay Packers wasn't what anyone wanted. After returning to the team on a one-year deal in free agency, he missed all of 2024 with a neck injury. And that was that. No more Quadzilla in Green Bay.
Dillon spent 2025 in only a minor role with the Eagles, but it was enough to grant him another chance this offseason. Much to his excitement, Dillon agreed Wednesday to a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers.
"Let's goooo!!!!" he posted on Twitter, alongside the Panthers hashtag "#KeepPounding."
For Dillon, it's an excellent opportunity to revitalize his career in a running back room that needs depth.
Gaining foothold with Panthers could rejuvenate AJ Dillon's careerÂ
The former second-round pick was clearly subordinated in an Eagles rushing attack dominated by Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts. Tank Bigsby ranked ahead of him as a backup. Dillon saw only 50 offensive snaps all season.
He will have a greater opportunity in Carolina. After losing Rico Dowdle in free agency, the Panthers' running back room features Chuba Hubbard, Trevor Etienne, and Jonathon Brooks. Etienne was a rookie last year, and Brooks hasn't taken the field since 2024. Hubbard is fine, but he slipped behind Dowdle as RB2. While a good, hard runner, he isn't especially efficient or explosive (3.8 yards per carry last season).
Of course, that's not really Dillon's game, either. Packers fans will remember the frustration of his last healthy season, when every rush felt like hammering a rock into frozen ground.
But alongside Aaron Jones, he was generally a productive co-member of the Packers' tandem, bulldozing defenders with his lower-body strength. From 2021 to 2023, he averaged 729 rushing yards per season and compiled 14 total rushing touchdowns. Add in an average of 247 receiving yards on 8.8 yards per catch.
Set to turn 28 in May, Dillon may have his best days behind him, but he deserves the chance to show that those legs still have some juice. Aside from Dowdle, the Panthers put up only three rushing TDs. Even with him, they ranked fifth-last in first-down rate on runs (23.6 percent). After Hubbard, the 2026 depth chart is wide open.
It's not like Dillon will come in and start ripping off chunk plays. More than likely, the Panthers will prioritize Etienne as a recent draft pick. Still, the former Packer could add substance in a rotation that lacks a true RB1. Plus, he can use his sturdy frame to help out in pass blocking.
While full contract details are yet to be revealed, Dillon has every reason to be amped. He'll join a wide-open rotation with a chance to resurrect his career and match the Panthers' own up-and-coming stride.