Linebacker appeared to be one of the biggest vulnerabilities on the Eagles roster entering the season, with three giant question marks in the mix for two starting roles.
The Eagles added two linebackers from the NFC South, Devin White and Zack Baun, as free agents, but each came to Philadelphia with plenty to prove. White had a rough final two seasons in Tampa Bay after a hot start to his career, while Baun struggled to maintain a starting role in four seasons with the Saints.
Former third-round pick Nakobe Dean was also in the mix, but he only started four games in his first two NFL seasons.
The White signing didn’t work. In fact, he never even played a game for the Eagles. Baun, on the other hand, couldn’t have done better – and he could be part of the formula that takes Philadelphia to the Super Bowl.
Here’s a look at how Baun went from a misfit in New Orleans to an All-Pro with the Eagles.
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Zack Baun Career Timeline
2020-2023: New Orleans Saints
The Saints selected Baun out of Wisconsin with the No. 74 pick in the 2020 draft.
Despite hopes of becoming a long-term starter, Baun never started more than six games in his four seasons in New Orleans. He recorded only two tackles for loss in his first three seasons and never exceeded 30 tackles in a season, playing more special teams snaps than defensive snaps each year.
When Baun entered free agency, the Saints didn’t really have a reason to bring him back. They instead brought in Willie Gay Jr. to complement Demario Davis and Pete Werner, a move that seemed like an upgrade given Gay’s experience as a starter in Kansas City.
Instead, the Saints are wondering why they couldn’t get more out of Baun before he blew up in Philadelphia.
2024: Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles signed Baun to a one-year, $3.5 million contract at the start of free agency, adding what they thought would be linebacker depth to a thin position. Baun got a starting job and the rest is history.
The Wisconsin product recorded 151 tackles, more than his first four seasons combined, including 11 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Baun forced five fumbles, the first five of his career, and excelled in coverage with Focus on professional football‘the best mark among 189 linebackers.
Baun also delivered one of the highlight moments of the Eagles’ win over the Packers, snagging an interception from Jordan Love.
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again 😏@zackbizzaun | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/iBquDngjPD
– Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 12, 2025
It all culminated in Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections for Baun, who went from special teamer to the highest honor at his position in just one year.
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Zack Baun contract
Baun is signing a one-year deal worth $3.5 million with the Eagles, meaning he is set to become a free agent in March if Philadelphia doesn’t use its franchise tag on him.
It’s safe to say that Baun will cash in if he re-signs with the Eagles, but a recent comment from Eagles general manager Howie Roseman indicates that Philadelphia is going to fight hard to bring him back.
“You know, after he made first team All-Pro, I went up to him and congratulated him and said, ‘Man, you deserve this,'” Roseman said. “And he said, ‘Be honest. Did you think there was a photo of that?’ And I said, ‘F— no…and please remember that when we sign your contract.'”
The use of the word “when” will certainly excite Eagles fans, but it may not be a given that Baun will be back. “It takes two to tango”, Baun told the Philadelphia Inquirer before contract negotiations.
Zack Baun Statistics
| Season | Team | Games | Tackles | Bags | TFL | Forced fumbles | INT |
| 2020 | Saints | 15 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | Saints | 17 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Saints | 13 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Saints | 17 | 30 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | Eagles | 16 | 151 | 3.5 | 11 | 5 | 1 |
| Career | 78 | 239 | 5.5 | 17 | 5 | 2 |
Baun’s numbers for 2024 are eye-popping compared to his time with the Saints, as he bested his tackles, sacks, tackles for loss and forced fumble totals from those four seasons in just one year with the Eagles . His numbers even compare quite favorably to Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly’s 2013 Defensive Player of the Year season.
Zack Baun is quietly the best linebacker since Luke Kuechly 👀 pic.twitter.com/Yhbv5dEK3K
– DraftKings (@DraftKings) January 14, 2025
