Zack Baun Is Quietly Becoming the Heart of the Eagles’ Defense
Sometimes the best moves in the NFL aren’t the flashiest. They don’t come with primetime press conferences or headline-grabbing trades.
Sometimes, they come in the form of a one-year, $3.5 million deal with a linebacker looking to prove he belongs. For the Eagles, that move turned into Zack Baun - and right now, it’s looking like one of Howie Roseman’s finest signings in recent memory.
Baun’s breakout continued in emphatic fashion during Philadelphia’s 31-0 shutout win over the Raiders. Facing his former teammate Kenny Pickett, Baun snagged an interception that not only added to the Eagles’ dominant afternoon but also capped off a personal milestone. That pick gave him a career-high three interceptions and three takeaways on the season - and more importantly, it put him in a class of his own.
Baun is now the only player in the NFL this season with 100+ tackles, 3+ sacks, and 3+ takeaways. That’s not just production - that’s versatility, consistency, and impact, all wrapped into one linebacker.
And it’s not like this came out of nowhere. Baun earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 2024, playing himself into a three-year, $51 million extension that included over $34 million guaranteed. Now, 14 games into the first year of that deal, he’s proving he was worth every penny.
Let’s break down the numbers: 108 tackles, 3.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. That’s the kind of stat line you expect from a defensive centerpiece - and Baun is delivering exactly that. He’s also on track to cash in on some lucrative incentives, with another Pro Bowl nod ($250,000) and a potential first-team All-Pro selection ($500,000) still in play.
But Baun’s value goes beyond the box score. He’s been a steadying presence on a defense that’s dealt with its fair share of adversity.
With Jalen Carter sidelined, Baun has stepped up not just as a playmaker, but as a leader. He’s played 99% of the defensive snaps this season - a testament to both his durability and the trust this coaching staff has in him.
Pro Football Focus has taken notice too, grading Baun among the top five linebackers in the league. That’s elite company, and it reflects what the eye test already shows: Baun is everywhere. Whether it’s stuffing the run, dropping into coverage, or blitzing off the edge, he’s been the Eagles’ Swiss Army knife on defense.
After the Raiders game, Baun talked about how the team is “ramping up” at the right time - and he’s not wrong. With three games left in the regular season, the Eagles sit at 9-5 and hold the No. 3 seed in the NFC. The road to a playoff run is still wide open, and Philadelphia looks like a team that’s peaking in December - just the way you want it.
And while the spotlight often shines brightest on the offense, especially in Philly, it’s players like Baun who make the difference when the games get tight and the stakes get high. His toughness, leadership, and all-around production have made him one of the most important players on this roster.
For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, having a linebacker who can do it all - and do it every week - is an invaluable asset. Zack Baun isn’t just having a good season. He’s having the kind of season that wins games, earns respect, and helps define a team’s identity.
As the Eagles gear up for a Week 16 clash with the Commanders, Baun will be right in the middle of it all - just like he has been all year.