NFL free agency is one month away and the Philadelphia Eagles have an obvious decision to make regarding linebacker Zack Baun.
The Eagles signed the former New Orleans Saints 2020 third-round pick to a one-year deal in NFL free agency last March.
Philly had initially looked to Baun as an extra depth piece at the linebacker position, but once defensive coordinator Vic Fangio switched him from outside to inside linebacker, he quickly became a key contributor to Philly’s defense.
In 16 starts for this year, 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.
Baun also intercepted Patrick Mahomes in the Eagles’ 40-22 Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Since Baun was signed for just one season, that means he’ll hit the open market come March 15th, but if he has any say on where he ends up, it will be back in Philly.
“Hopefully it’s here,” Baun said. “I love this place.”
Baun signed a $1.6 million deal last year and he’s now worth much more than that. He’s previously been linked to a three-year deal worth north of $30 million.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman isn’t one who typically invests in aging linebackers, but Baun looks like a clear exception and he could be willing to take another bargain deal since he wants to stay put.
