AJ Dillon to sign one-year deal with Carolina Panthers for 2026 NFL season

The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with running back AJ Dillon, adding a powerful veteran presence to their ground game ahead of the 2026 NFL season. The one-year contract brings the 6-foot, 247-pound bruiser, nicknamed “Quadzilla," to Charlotte, where he will compete for carries alongside established starters and emerging talents.

This move addresses the Panthers’ need for experienced depth after Rico Dowdle departed in free agency for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dillon’s physical style should provide a complementary force in short-yardage and red-zone situations.

A serious neck injury forced AJ Dillon to miss the entire 2024 campaign, derailing what had been steady production in Green Bay. He returned to action in 2025 after signing with the Philadelphia Eagles, but saw his role shrink significantly. Dillon appeared in just seven regular-season games for Philly, totalling only 12 carries. His playing time dropped further after the Eagles acquired Tank Bigsby mid-season.

Memorable lowlights included a Week 6 fumble on a kickoff return against the New York Giants that rolled out of bounds inside the Eagles’ five-yard line, followed by another lost fumble on the ensuing drive. AJ Dillon was limited to two offensive snaps in the Week 18 finale against the Washington Commanders and sat out Philadelphia’s playoff game entirely.

The Carolina Panthers targeted a veteran complement after losing Dowdle, and Dillon fits the bill perfectly. His size and experience should help in goal-line packages and help stabilize the room as Brooks continues his development following earlier injury setbacks.

At 27 years old, Dillon remains in his prime and eager for a fresh opportunity to showcase the form that made him a key contributor in Green Bay.