The Philadelphia Eagles are the new kings of the NFL, defeating the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59.
The Eagles’ defense dominated, sacking Chiefs superstar QB Patrick Mahomes six times and forcing him into three turnovers. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ offense got a huge performance from star QB Jalen Hurts, who won Super Bowl 59 MVP.
With the Lombardi Trophy in their hands, the Eagles’ next job will be to try to repeat as Super Bowl champs, which the Chiefs were able to do. However, it won’t be easy for the Eagles as they have several key free agents on defense and can’t re-sign everybody.
That said, if there’s one move that the Eagles should make this offseason to help them make a Super Bowl repeat, it's re-signing veteran linebacker Zack Baun.
Baun’s performance in 2024 was one of the best stories in the NFL as the former core special teams player with the New Orleans Saints and evolved into a Pro Bowl starting linebacker with the Philadelphia Eagles.
When the Eagles signed Baun to a one-year contract last offseason, most fans overlooked the signing as there was more attention around the signing of Devin White.
But as things played out, Baun became a key piece of the Eagles’ defensive success under veteran coordinator Vic Fangio. The veteran linebacker became the ultimate weapon in the defense as he could drop back in coverage and be used in run defense.
Zack Baun among LBs this season:
— PFF (@PFF) February 6, 2025
🦅 90.2 PFF grade (1st)
🦅 69 defensive stops (1st) pic.twitter.com/P3ifFBJcwO
Baun posted career highs across the board with 151 combined tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five QB hits, five forced fumbles, four pass deflections, 3.5 sacks, and an interception during the regular season.
The veteran linebacker did a little bit of everything on the field and carried that into the playoffs. Baun had 33 combined tackles, three pass deflections, two tackles for loss, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.
THAT'S 1ST TEAM ALL-PRO ZACK BAUN FOR YOU 🫡@zackbizzaun | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/TdmEJLhGgX
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) February 10, 2025
Based on his production and fit alongside Nakobe Dean, the Eagles must find a way to re-sign Baun this offseason. Spotrac calculates Baun’s market value at a two-year, $19.5 million deal.
He will get more than that, as there are always one or two teams with cap space that will hand out blockbuster deals in free agency.
The Eagles have proven they can draft well in the trenches to find replacements. A player like Baun could help them get back to the big game and defend their crown in Super Bowl 60.