Philadelphia Eagles Inform Veteran RB He Is Being Cut, Agents Exploring Next Team Options

Philadelphia, PA – September 9, 2025

Fresh off a Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys, the Philadelphia Eagles wasted no time in reshaping their roster. Despite early optimism when he signed in March, the team has informed veteran running back A.J. Dillon that he has been released, with his representatives already exploring new opportunities.

Throughout training camp and the preseason, Philadelphia carefully assessed its backfield depth. With Saquon Barkley firmly entrenched as RB1 and younger players flashing upside, Dillon’s grip on a roster spot began to loosen. His performance didn’t help his case — he produced fewer than 50 rushing yards in the preseason and just 12 yards on four carries in the season opener.

“This is the reality of football,” general manager Howie Roseman said. “We respect every player who comes through here, but the competition in Philadelphia is intense. This roster isn’t built in a day — it’s built for the long term. And if someone doesn’t meet the standard, we have to make changes.”

Dillon’s struggles were not new. After averaging only 3.4 yards per carry with Green Bay in 2023 and missing the entire 2024 season due to injury, concerns about his durability and explosiveness carried over into his brief Eagles stint.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s front office sent a clear message by trading for Tank Bigsby. The former Jaguars runner, known for his quick burst and goal-line strength, is expected to step immediately into the RB2 role behind Barkley. The addition further strengthens a young and versatile unit that already includes rookie Will Shipley and practice-squad backs Audric Estimé and Montrell Johnson Jr.

Financially, the decision was straightforward. Dillon’s one-year, $1.5 million veteran-minimum deal carried just $300,000 in dead money, freeing up nearly $1.2 million in cap space. That flexibility could allow the Eagles to pursue other roster upgrades, with cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. rumored as a possible target.

For Philadelphia, the message is unmistakable: roster spots must be earned, not handed out. With Barkley leading the charge and Bigsby adding fresh power to the rotation, the Eagles believe their backfield is now built to fuel another deep postseason run.