Few free agent signings in the NFL today have been as impactful as Zach Baun with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Originally an additional linebacker on the New Orleans Saints used in pass rushing situations, Baun signed a cheap one-year deal with the Eagles worth just $3.5 million.
For a linebacker playing on that kind of deal, the Eagles have arguably the steal of free agency.
Through the first eight games of the 2024 season, Baun has recorded 79 tackles, three tackles for losses, two passes defended, a forced fumble, and two sacks.
With a contract that now looks like an underpayment, Baun's future with the Eagles remains a question mark. He'll be a free agent after this season and in line for a major extension.
And while a breakout campaign during a contract year is not exactly unheard of in the NFL, it's not something that Baun is focusing on right now.
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“I can honestly say I’m having the most fun playing football that I’ve had since probably middle school or peewee football,” Baun said. “I’m playing comfortable, I’m playing confident, as confident as I ever have. Just gotta keep going, though. You can have a good game, you can have a good season, but it’s like what do you do next game, what do you do next season? Just keep going.”
It would make plenty of sense for the Eagles to try and extend Baun to a long-term extension as soon as possible. The longer they wait, the more it seems the linebacker is simply pricing himself out of Philadelphia.
And that's not something anyone on the team wants.
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