With a game-changing move to strengthen their defense, the Philadelphia Eagles have struck gold this offseason. Zack Baun, a linebacker who came close to winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, has agreed to a three-year, $51 million contract that includes $34 million in guaranteed money.
ESPN rated this move as a top transaction, highlighting the Eagles’ skill at player development and the former New Orleans Saints star’s transition into a defensive force. The tale of Baun’s ascent to fame is one of quality and flexibility.
Baun had a career-defining season after switching to an off-ball linebacker role after initially signing a small one-year, $1.6 million contract in 2024. The tale is shown by his performance metrics: According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Baun gave up a league-high minus-26 Expected Points Added (EPA) as the closest defense.
The figures support him.
In addition, he had the sixth-best run stop victory rate (41%), 0.6 yards allowed per coverage snap, and ninth overall. In addition to the stats, Baun helped the Eagles throughout their postseason run with 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and a Super Bowl interception.
ESPN’s Seth Walder hailed the transaction as one of the best examples of player development in the NFL, while Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio praised Baun for exceeding expectations. “He’s had a great year,” Fangio remarked. “He’s set a standard for himself… (and) taken his game to the ceiling.”
This signing not only strengthens Philadelphia’s defense but also sends a message to the league, the Eagles are committed to fostering talent and aiming for sustained success. With Baun locked in for three more years, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this star linebacker continues to make his mark on the NFL.
