It was time for the Green Bay Packers to move on from AJ Dillon, but that doesn't make fans any less appreciative of all he did.
With the Packers bringing back Emanuel Wilson, there's no room on the depth chart for another running back. Dillon would've had to beat Wilson or Chris Brooks, perhaps both, to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. With Josh Jacobs dominating the carries and MarShawn Lloyd expected to land a featured role, Dillon's best shot at regular playing time was elsewhere.
He signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he can establish himself as a dependable backup to Saquon Barkley behind arguably the league's best offensive line.
With a solid bounce-back season, Dillon could land a multi-year contract when he becomes a free agent again next spring.
Packers fans will remember Dillon's dominant performance against the Tennessee Titans inside a snowy Lambeau Field, but equally, he made an impact on the community.
After departing for Philadelphia in free agency, Dillon penned a message to Packers fans.
AJ Dillon thanks Packers fans in an emotional message after leaving in free agency
Dillon took to his Instagram account to send a message to Packers fans. He wrote:
"I want to take a moment to thank the entire Green Bay Packers organization, my teammates, and the incredible fans for an unforgettable five years. Wisconsin became so much more than just the place I played football-it became home. It's where I grew up, started my family, and made memories I'll cherish forever.
It was an honor to wear the "G" and represent such a special organization. I'm grateful for the relationships built, the lessons learned, and the unwavering support from Packers fans everywhere. You embraced me and my family from day one, and we are forever thankful."
He closed his statement by noting that The Dillon Family Foundation will continue in Wisconsin before adding: "Green Bay will always hold a special place in my heart."
Dillon fully embraced the lifestyle in Green Bay from Day 1, quickly becoming a key member of the community. And despite sitting behind Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams on the depth chart as a rookie, he made the most of his limited opportunities, rushing for 124 yards and two touchdowns against Tennessee, his only game with more than five carries in his debut season.
Beyond that, Dillon became a reliable short-yardage back who could convert in must-have situations.
He struggled to make the same impact in 2023, averaging a career-low 3.4 yards per attempt. The Packers used a rare contract rule to bring him back for one more season, but injury sidelined him for the entire year.
Dillon gets a fresh start and a new opportunity, and there's perhaps no better landing spot for a running back than in Philadelphia, where he will complement Barkley behind an elite offensive line.
While Dillon never lived up to second-round expectations or became the star running back many expected, he was a selfless player who provided important plays that didn't necessarily show up on highlight reels.
On behalf of all Packers fans, we wish Dillon nothing but the best.