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. He propelled that opportunity into a Pro Bowl nod and All-Pro honors. Now, a star linebacker set to enter free agency, Baun can add Defensive Player of the Year finalist to his resume.
Several #Eagles were named finalists for regular season individual awards by the Associated Press that will be announced Super Bowl week:
RB Saquon Barkley: MVP and Offensive Player of the Year
LB Zack Baun: Defensive Player of the Year
CB Quinyon Mitchell and CB Cooper…
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 22, 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. Baun had six tackles, one tackle for loss, and one pass defended in the divisional-round win over the Rams.
Spotrac’s market value for Baun is currently a 2-year, $19.4 million contract. After rolling over $10 million, the Eagles will have about $30 million in salary cap space.
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.
