Eagles Free Agent News: Team Adds RB A.J. Dillon

Almost one year ago to the day, the Eagles signed running back Saquon Barkley in free agency.  One year later, their biggest addition to date is also a running back, A.J. Dillon, formally of the Green Bay Packers.

Dillon is singing with the Eagles after missing all of 2024 but has been cleared for the 2025 season after battling a neck injury stemming from a stringer suffered late in 2023. Dillon ran for 613 yards and two touchdowns in 2023.

He has appeared in 60 total games since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, rushing for a total of 2,428 yards and 16 touchdowns, adding another 86 catches for 763 yards and two scores through the air.

He should provide depth to Barkley and will compete with Will Shipley, who was drafted last year out of Clemson. Shipely saw just 34 touches last year as the team's No. 3 running back behind Barkley and Kenny Gainwell, who signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Look for Dillion and Shipley to compete for Gainwell's No. 2 spot on the Eagles depth chart behind Barkley for the 2025 season, and don't be surprised if the team drafts another player at the position.

The Eagles will not tender Britain Covey, making him a free agent.

Covey missed much of last season dealing with a broken scapula, which limited him to just five games, serving mostly as the team's punt returner. He caught seven passes for 34 yards and had just 11 catches for 76 yards during his three seasons with the Eagles.

Eagles retain LB/FB Ben VanSumeren

The team is also bringing back Ben VanSumeren, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in November, giving him a one-year deal.  He was an exclusive rights free-agent who has played special teams, linebacker, and fullback and hopes to be ready for OTA's.

As you can see in the graphic put out by the Eagles, VanSumeren was listed as a fullback, which he played last season for the first time.