CBS Sports: The Eagles set to extend the “Centerpiece” Defender’s contract.
In March 2024, linebacker Zack Baun signed a one-year, $1.6 million free agency contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, which was a great deal.
They couldn’t have known at the time just how good of a bargain they were receiving. As one of the NFL’s top inside linebackers, Baun has been a mainstay in the center of Philadelphia’s defense throughout the season.
Baun leads the club with 105 tackles, 5 TFL, 2.0 sacks, 3 pass deflections, 1 interception, and an incredible 3 forced fumbles through a 9-2 start that includes the Eagles’ current 7-game winning streak. These stats might earn him his first career Pro Bowl selection.
For this reason, Matt Holder of Bleacher Report believes the Eagles should sign Baun to a long-term contract extension before his number rises too high.
Holder writes, “This past offseason, the 27-year-old signed a modest one-year, $1.6 million contract with Philadelphia.” He is now one of Philadelphia’s key defenders and has greatly outperformed that contract. He has shown flashes in coverage, pressing the quarterback, and pursuing ball carriers. If the all-around linebacker makes it to the free market, he’ll probably cash in with a big deal. He shouldn’t be allowed to get there by the Eagles.
Although he was mostly utilized on special teams, Baun only started 14 games in his four seasons with New Orleans, including a career-high six starts in 2023 that coincided with career highs in tackles (30), TFL (4), and sacks (2.0).
In Philadelphia, a position change has made an impact. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio viewed Baun as an inside linebacker, but the Philadelphia general manager envisioned him as a backup outside linebacker and special teams demon.
Fangio told CBS Sports, “After watching (the movie), I said no, I think he’s an inside linebacker.” “Fortunately, it struck.”
Dissecting the Top-Paying NFL Inside Linebackers
Like running backs, inside linebackers are expected to play a key role in any game plan, but their value is far lower than the market for the majority of positions.
Following the top three highest paid linebackers in the NFL, there is a significant decline in the overall worth of inside linebacker contracts with Baltimore Ravens linebackers.
The next highest paid linebacker is Patrick Queen of the Pittsburgh Steelers ($41 million), followed by Roquan Smith ($100 million), Fred Warner ($95.2 million) of the San Francisco 49ers, and Tremaine Edmunds ($72 million) of the Chicago Bears.
In terms of total contract worth, Baun is only at his own position on the roster, trailing only his backup, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. ($4.38 million), and the Eagles’ other starting inside linebacker, Nakobe Dean ($5.2 million).
The Eagles could be wise to offer Baun a three-year, $20 million contract, similar to the one the Kansas City Chiefs inked linebacker Drue Tranquill to in March 2024, if he hasn’t already used up all of the team’s 2025 money.
