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Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun has truly become one of the greatest hidden gems this franchise has ever signed.
After signing a small one-year deal in 2024, Baun has turned it into two Pro Bowl selections, one All-Pro selection, a three-year, $51 million extension, and praise for being one of the best defenders in the NFL. Baun has played a massive role in helping the Eagles win the Super Bowl and make the playoffs in each of his two years.
Sports Illustrated is a big fan of his too, after the publication shared its rankings of the best linebackers in the NFL. Baun was ranked fourth in the NFL entering the 2026 season. Writer Mike Kadlick praised Baun for "showing off his ability to defend the pass" and being "the true leader of Philly’s linebacker room."
Zack Baun continues to be one of the best linebackers in the NFL
Coming off a 151-tackle season in 2024, Baun's stats were not as good, but he still put up great numbers last year to earn himself a second Pro Bowl selection. He finished 2025 with 123 tackles, seven pass deflections, seven tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 16 games. Pro Football Focus gave him the fifth-best overall grade among 88 linebackers last year with an 83.
Baun is a perfect fit for what Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio looks for in his defenders: versatility. On the field, Baun can drop back into coverage, is an elite tackler, and can be used on blitzes to pressure the quarterback.
An important part of Baun is that he has helped change the way the Eagles have viewed linebackers. In the past, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman never gave contract extensions to linebackers and saved those for the defensive linemen and secondary players. Baun was a rare case where Roseman understood how important he was to the team winning the Super Bowl.
Entering 2026, Baun will have more pressure on him to help out at linebacker with Jihaad Campbell becoming a full-time starter. While Campbell should be fine in his role, it does mean that special teams standout Jeremiah Trotter Jr. will get more reps on defense, which is where Baun will have to help develop him and potentially carry the slack if things break down.
Read more: Nick Sirianni gets challenged to change one thing with Jalen Hurts
Baun is the most crucial piece to this Eagles defense, as he is the glue that keeps things together from a leadership perspective. He will need to continue doing that for Philly to be back in the playoff conversation in 2026.
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This article was originally published on insidetheiggles.com as Zack Baun continues to get praised the way Eagles fans know he should be.
