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Eagles Shock Rivals And Sign Breakout Linebacker

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Anthony Goss | Last updated Mar 5, 2025 3:50 PM ET

No team found a bigger steal than the Philadelphia Eagles during free agency last offseason. The team signed Zach Baun to a one-year, $3.5 million deal, getting what was at the time a player claiming most of his experience on special teams through the earlier seasons in his career.

One season made a world of difference for both the Eagles and Baun. The linebacker became a dominant force in the middle of the Philadelphia defense, tallying 151 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and five forced fumbles.

Baun finished the season First Team All-Pro and became a hallmark of the Eagles' outstanding defense that helped the franchise to a dominant Super Bowl LIX victory.

With his one-year deal expiring, Baun was set to hit free agency and earn a significant pay day. He has gotten his due, but he will not be hitting the open market.

The Eagles and Baun came to an agreement Wednesday on a three-year $51 million contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal includes a guaranteed figure of $34 million with a $1.5 million signing bonus.

This marks the second big signing by the Eagles this offseason with the team inking a record extension for running back Saquon Barkley. Philadelphia made Barkley the highest paid running back in NFL history with a two-year $41 million extension.

Philadelphia wanted to keep Baun following the team's Super Bowl victory and the interest was mutual from his side. ... and some rivals are surely shocked at their ability to pull this off.

The deal makes Baun the fourth-highest-paid linebacker in the league, sitting behind Roquan Smith, Fred Warner and Tremaine Edmunds. The Eagles will need to make decisions on several other free agents on the defensive side including Josh Sweat and Milton Williams.

But this decision here makes clear where their priorities lie on that side and solidifies the middle of their defense through the coming years.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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