By Dianna Russini, Jeff Howe, Brooks Kubena, and RJ Kraft
The Philadelphia Eagles announced that linebacker Zack Baun will be back with the team on a three-year deal worth $51 million, including $34 million guaranteed.
This contract makes Baun one of the highest-paid linebackers in the league, reflecting his impressive performance last season. He earned first-team All-Pro honors, was selected to his first Pro Bowl, and finished fifth in the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year voting.
His success placed him as the sixth overall player on The Athletic’s Top 150 free agent rankings, making him the highest-rated linebacker this year. He’s joined by teammates Milton Williams and Josh Sweat, who also ranked in the top ten for defensive players.
Before joining the Eagles, Baun mainly played special teams after being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2020 draft. His time with New Orleans saw limited playtime, with no more than 27% of defensive snaps in any season. Last offseason, Baun signed a one-year contract with the Eagles. His hard work led him to a starting linebacker position, where he significantly influenced the Eagles’ top-ranked defense under coordinator Vic Fangio.
Last season, Baun recorded an impressive 151 tackles, tying for the sixth-most in the NFL, along with 11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and one interception. In the playoffs, he led the Eagles with 33 tackles and made key plays in every game as Philadelphia won Super Bowl LIX, including two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
Retaining Baun is part of a busy offseason for the Super Bowl champions. Recently, they signed star running back Saquon Barkley to a new deal while planning to release cornerback Darius Slay and possibly cut cornerback James Bradberry.
Days after the Super Bowl, Baun talked about the important decisions he faced leading up to free agency. His rapid rise from a little-known edge rusher to an NFL Defensive Player of the Year finalist showcases his talent and potential. It’s significant that the Eagles chose to invest in him, especially since General Manager Howie Roseman has typically been cautious with linebacker spending.
Baun’s contract shows a shift in the way the Eagles view the linebacker position. His performance indicates he’s more than worth the investment, especially playing alongside standout players like defensive tackle Jalen Carter. The Eagles are banking on his talent to enrich their defense further under Fangio’s guidance.
In summary, Baun’s new deal reflects both his growth as a player and the Eagles’ evolving strategy on defense.
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Philadelphia Eagles, Wisconsin Badgers, NFL
