Eagles Rumors Swirl About Saquon Barkley Backups

Philadelphia Eagles' running back depth chart flipped this spring, with sophomore standout Will Shipley now threatening to push veteran AJ Dillon off the roster.

The Philadelphia Eagles' running back room looked vastly different when organized team activities wrapped up in June compared to how it appeared just months earlier. What seemed like a straightforward depth chart behind superstar Saquon Barkley has evolved into one of the most intriguing position battles heading into training camp.

At the center of this uncertainty is the precarious roster status of newly signed veteran AJ Dillon, whose Eagles tenure could be over before it truly begins thanks to the rapid ascension of sophomore Will Shipley.

When the Eagles released longtime contributor Kenny Gainwell and signed Dillon to a one-year, $1.3 million deal in March, the expectation was clear: the former Green Bay Packers power back would slide into the No. 2 role behind Barkley while Shipley continued his development as a third-string option. Spring practices told a different story entirely.

Multiple reports from OTAs and minicamp highlighted Shipley's impressive showing, with the 2024 fourth-round pick out of Clemson demonstrating improved vision, cutting ability and overall comfort within offensive coordinator Kellen Moore's system. Sources close to the team describe Shipley as "more explosive" and "noticeably more confident" than during his rookie campaign, when he managed just 30 carries for 82 yards (2.7 yards per carry) in the regular season.

The 5-foot-10, 200-pound back has reportedly caught the attention of coaches with his versatility, showing improvement as both a receiver out of the backfield and in pass protection. Shipley didn’t receive any targets in the passing game during the 2024 regular season, aside from his appearance in the meaningless Week 18 against the Giants, where he caught all four of his targets for 35 yards.

Shipley's limited regular-season opportunities came primarily in garbage time situations, but he made the most of his chances when it mattered most. In the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship Game against Washington, Shipley exploded for 77 yards and a touchdown on just four carries, including a spectacular 57-yard burst. The play served as a flashpoint for the potential that had been largely hidden during his rookie year.

The rookie's preseason showing in 2024 also offered a glimpse into his ceiling. In the Eagles’ preseason opener against Baltimore, Shipley scored the team’s first touchdown on a 7-yard reception from Kenny Pickett and rushed for 23 yards on seven carries. He was one of just three Eagles running backs to receive at least seven carries in that game.

While Dillon brings an undeniable physical presence that the Eagles have lacked in recent years, questions persist about his fit within Moore's offense and his ability to contribute on special teams. Dillon's 2024 season was wiped out entirely due to injury, and at 29 years old, there are legitimate concerns about his explosiveness and long-term durability.

Perhaps most telling is the financial structure of Dillon's contract. With only $165,000 guaranteed of his $1.3 million deal, the Eagles face minimal financial consequences if they decide to move on from the veteran before the season begins.

The Eagles’ roster construction adds another layer of complexity to this battle. With the team expected to keep return specialist Avery Williams, who can contribute at both wide receiver and running back, plus fullback Ben VanSumeren locked into his role, the math becomes challenging for carrying four traditional running backs.

Philadelphia has historically preferred to allocate roster spots toward skill position depth at wide receiver and tight end, making Dillon’s path to the 53-man roster even more treacherous. If the coaching staff believes Shipley can adequately fill the change-of-pace role while also contributing on special teams – something Dillon has rarely done throughout his career – the veteran becomes expendable.

The next six weeks will prove crucial for both players’ futures. Dillon must demonstrate that his power running style and pass protection skills are valuable enough to warrant a roster spot despite his limitations. For Shipley, the goal is simple: continue the trajectory established during spring workouts. If you combine Shipley's regular season and postseason rushing stats, he had 34 carries for 180 yards (5.3 YPC) and two touchdowns – efficiency that suggests he’s ready for an expanded role.

The Eagles seem confident that Will Shipley can take over as Saquon Barkley's backup running back, and early indicators suggest this confidence is well-founded. With minimal guaranteed money and limited special teams value, Dillon faces an uphill battle to justify his roster spot. Training camp will provide the final verdict, but the writing may already be on the wall.