The Eagles linebacker has thrived in Vic Fangio’s system, making a strong case for a long-term deal in midnight green.
After establishing himself as a key contributor to the Eagles’ defense, linebacker Zack Baun finds himself at a career crossroads as his contract winds down. Eagles fans have witnessed his impact firsthand, but what might his next contract look like, and why should Philadelphia be aggressive in keeping him in midnight green?
Baun’s versatility as both an effective pass rusher and a solid coverage linebacker makes him particularly valuable in today’s NFL. Looking at comparable linebackers who signed contracts recently, Baun could reasonably expect a deal in the range of three to four years at $7-9 million per year, with approximately 50-60% of the total value guaranteed.
This places him in the upper-middle tier of NFL linebackers—not quite commanding top-of-market money like Fred Warner or Roquan Smith, but certainly deserving of a substantial raise from his previous contract.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s system has allowed Baun to thrive. The scheme emphasizes linebacker versatility—requiring players who can diagnose plays quickly, drop into coverage effectively, and occasionally blitz. These are all areas where Baun has excelled, recording career-best numbers in Philadelphia.
His ability to line up in multiple positions and handle diverse responsibilities makes him particularly valuable in Fangio’s complex defensive packages. The learning curve for this system is significant, and Baun has already mastered it—a valuable investment the Eagles shouldn’t discard lightly.
The Eagles’ defense has shown flashes of dominance but hasn’t quite reached its full potential. With another offseason to further integrate Fangio’s system and develop chemistry, the unit could become one of the league’s elite defenses—with Baun playing a central role. Continuity on defense is crucial, and allowing a key contributor like Baun to depart would set back the progress made thus far.
A competitive offer from Philadelphia should include a three-year, $24 million contract ($8 million annual average) with $14 million guaranteed (approximately 58% of total value) and a front-loaded structure with higher cap hits in years one and two, providing flexibility in the final year. This structure would provide Baun with the security he deserves while giving the Eagles flexibility as the salary cap continues to increase in future years.
While the NFL remains a business where tough decisions must be made, the case for keeping Zack Baun in Philadelphia is compelling. His on-field production, scheme fit, locker room presence, and upside potential make him worth the investment. For Baun, staying with the Eagles represents his best opportunity for continued growth and success. The defensive system accentuates his strengths, the coaching staff trusts him, and Philadelphia’s passionate fanbase has embraced him.
As contract negotiations unfold in the coming weeks, Eagles management would be wise to make retaining Baun a priority. Some investments transcend mere numbers on a spreadsheet, and Baun’s value to this defense falls firmly into that category.
