Zack Baun has a true rags-to-riches story, signing a one-year deal with Philadelphia last offseason under the guise that he’d have a chance to earn snaps as a pass rusher and potential special teams dynamo.
Fast forward almost a full calendar year, and Baun earned the Eagles starting inside linebacker job and propelled that opportunity into a Pro Bowl nod and All-Pro honors. Now a star linebacker set to enter free agency, Baun sounds like a guy loyal to Philadelphia for the opportunity but prepared to cash out, and he’ll need Howie Roseman to meet him halfway.
Latest “unCovering the Birds:”
“IDGAF”
Jalen Hurts and the pass offense struggles? Rams or whoever? #Eagles don’t care how they get it done in the playoffs.
Plus, Birds free agents talk about their futures and a “Pick 6” with Cooper DeJean.
Listen: https://t.co/axe7IjSZdF pic.twitter.com/cce1lX8Emw
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 15, 2025
Baun was outstanding in his first year, recording 150 tackles, 11 for loss, 3.5 sacks, 5 QB hits, 14 QB pressures, five forced fumbles, an interception, and a fumble recovery while playing 95 percent of the snaps before resting in Week 18.
In the Eagles’ NFC Wild Card win over the Green Bay Packers on January 12, Baun logged eight tackles, one interception, and one pass deflection.
Spotrac’s market value is currently a 2-year, $19.4 million contract, and the Eagles will have about $30 million in salary cap space after rolling over $10 million.
Baun could land a deal comparable to Matt Milano, but Howie Roseman not signing the linebacker to an extension by now could give fans and experts some pause on what could transpire.
Philadelphia doesn’t like to draft linebackers high, let alone spend significantly at the position.
