“Howie Szn” has kicked into overdrive for the Philadelphia Eagles. Just 24 hours after making Saquon Barkley the NFL’s first $20 million-a-year running back, general manager Howie Roseman shelled out a three-year, $51 million contract to All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Baun will receive $34 million guaranteed with another $1.5 million in incentives and escalators.
Breaking: Eagles are re-signing All-Pro LB Zack Baun to a three-year, $51 million contract, including $34 million guaranteed at signing and additional $1.5 million in incentives and escalators, per sources. The contract instantly makes Baun one of the highest-paid LBs in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/n7zkzIgwcD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2025
The lucrative deal catapults Baun to become the fourth-highest paid linebacker in the NFL.
It’s been an absolutely remarkable journey for Baun to reach this pinnacle. He originally signed a modest one-year, $4 million deal with the Eagles following four largely uneventful seasons with the New Orleans Saints, where he made just 14 starts and mainly contributed on special teams.
However, under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Baun transformed into one of the most dominant linebackers in the league. He recorded 151 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, one interception, and five forced fumbles, earning him All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors for the first time.
His excellence continued during the Eagles’ championship run, where he racked up 33 total tackles, two interceptions — including a pivotal one in the Super Bowl that set up a touchdown — and two fumble recoveries.
Now he’ll anchor the Eagles’ top-ranked defense for the next three seasons.
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Myles Garrett-to-Philadelphia Eagles rumors should now be put to rest
Myles Garrett, Philadelphia Eagles
Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
With the Eagles bringing back Baun at this price point, any potential pursuit of former Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett likely evaporates.
Garrett has demanded a trade from the Cleveland Browns, but the franchise has consistently stated they have zero intention of moving on from the four-time All-Pro.
The Eagles did create over $6 million in cap space by designating cornerback Darius Slay and defensive back James Bradberry as post-June 1 releases. But with Roseman inking Barkley to a record-breaking extension and now re-signing Baun to this massive deal, Philadelphia simply wouldn’t have the financial bandwidth to accommodate Garrett, despite all their renowned salary cap gymnastics.
“If the Eagles were going to take on a huge contract for Myles Garrett, if he gets traded anywhere, he’s going to be the highest paid non-quarterback in the NFL, no doubt about it,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on “Good Morning Football” prior to the Baun signing. “In order to take on that contract, they would have to get rid of other very big contracts of their own. Even the Eagles can’t just fit everybody they want. I would be very surprised if this happened.”
From @GMFB: The question was asked, Could the #Eagles take a shot at Myles Garrett? Anything is possible. But… Cleveland has no plans to trade him and for Philly to take on a massive contract, they'd have to shed some of their own. pic.twitter.com/GdIbirRtDO
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2025
The Eagles would most likely need to surrender at least two first-round picks to acquire Garrett if the Browns do make him available. On top of that crucial draft capital, Philadelphia has future contract extensions looming on the horizon for their young defensive cornerstones in Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith — a financial reality that makes the Garrett splash nearly impossible.
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