The Philadelphia Eagles made re-signing All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun a priority earlier this month, inking him to a new three-year, $51 million contract, which made him one of the highest-paid linebackers in the NFL.
The deal also includes $34 million guaranteed and another $1.5 million in incentives.
Baun's journey to landing that massive new contract is a remarkable Cinderella story after the Eagles signed the former New Orleans Saints 2020 third-round pick to a one-year, $3.5 million deal in NFL free agency last March.
Philly had initially looked at Baun as an extra depth piece at the linebacker position, but once defensive coordinator Vic Fangio moved him from outside linebacker to inside linebacker, Baun quickly became a key contributor to the Eagles' defense.
In 16 starts with the Eagles in 2024, Baun racked up career highs across the board with 3.5 sacks, one interception, four pass breakups, five forced fumbles, 11 tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, and 151 total tackles. Those numbers earned him his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro nod in four seasons. He was also nominated for the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year award.
Baun Could Have Signed Anywhere in NFL Free Agency
Following a breakout year, Baun could have signed anywhere he wanted to in NFL free agency, but Philly is where he wanted to be.
"I really actually didn't want to leave," Baun said. "What we built here, the culture here. Honestly, now that I'm thinking about it, I was just a piece of the puzzle that was put into a great culture that was already established.
"The people that work here, the system's in place. Just everything I felt here this past year. It just felt right for me and my family. I really didn't want to leave, and I appreciated everything we built."
Baun did admit that free agency caught his curiosity at one point, but he was more focused on what the Eagles could do for him and his career looking ahead.
"I just think about what we did in one year with so many new pieces – coaches and players included," Baun said. "And I think about my own personal development in that same sense. If I can move off the ball and play inside linebacker, and do what I did. And if that was my starting point, I'm excited for this team and this defense moving forward. I'm really excited to continue to build on what we did last year."
The Eagles now have Baun locked in through 2028. His goal from here on out is to become more vocal and take on a leadership role.
"I feel like that's something I've wanted to do myself, and not just because BG is leaving, or other guys are leaving," Baun said. "But I want to grow myself as a leader and as a guy on this team that can have a voice and be impactful to this defense and this team."
