Few players in NFL history have gone through the kind of career turnaround that Zack Baun has with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Originally used purely as an edge rusher with the New Orleans Saints, Baun signed a one-year contract with the Eagles during the 2024 offseason. Philadelphia tried him out as an off-ball middle linebacker as a low-risk gamble for their defense.
To say the move worked out would be an understatement.
Baun recorded 151 tackles, 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, an interception, and four passes defensed during the 2024 campaign. That was good enough to make him a first-team All-Pro for the champion Eagles.
It also helped him agree to terms on a lucrative three-year, $51 million extension with Philadelphia this offseason.
Now, as one of the highest-paid linebackers in the game, Baun is thrilled to be back with the Eagles.
"Definitely valued," Baun said during minicamp this week when asked about his feelings after signing his new deal. "Definitely appreciated. And we appreciate that as well. It also comes with a lot of responsibility. There's a lot of money in our room now.
"And that's also a standard that was set in that room last year."
Baun was key to setting that standard. Philadelphia's defense became one of the best in football, both against the run and the pass.
The All-Pro linebacker also saved his best for the postseason. He led the playoffs in tackles (33) and interceptions (2) while helping the Eagles blow through the top teams in the league to claim a Super Bowl title.
Deciding what an encore should look like for Baun is tricky. How can a player build off a breakout season like he had?
With the money he's making now, Baun's consistency will be an area of focus for next season with the Eagles.