With NFL free agency only a week away, the Philadelphia Eagles have begun their aggressive dealings to set themselves up for the offseason and beyond. First, Howie Roseman signed Saquon Barkley to a two-year, $41.2 million extension on Tuesday. This cut Barkley's 2025 cap hit in half.
Roseman followed this up with another splashy move on Wednesday. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Eagles re-signed linebacker Zack Baun to a three-year, $51 million deal. This includes $34 million guaranteed at signing, making him one of the highest-paid LBs in the league.
Breaking: Eagles are re-signing All-Pro LB Zack Baun to a three-year, $51 million contract, including $34 million guaranteed at signing and additional $1.5 million in incentives and escalators, per sources. The contract instantly makes Baun one of the highest-paid LBs in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/n7zkzIgwcD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2025
Eagles News: Philadelphia Re-Signs LB Zack Baun
This is a massive payday for Baun, who was one of the most fascinating stories in the league last year. After four seasons as a rotation defender in New Orleans, Baun signed a one-year deal with the Eagles in the 2025 offseason. Transitioning to inside linebacker, Baun had a breakout season in Philadelphia, playing like one of the best defenders in the NFL.
As a result, Baun earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors while finishing fifth in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. He received an impressive 90.1 grade on Pro Football Focus. He had 93 solo tackles, 73 more than his previous career-high, while adding 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and 11 tackles for loss. He continued his dominance in the postseason, registering two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble in four games.
By not letting Baun hit the market, the Eagles locked down one of their best players for at least two more seasons. In return, the 28-year-old becomes the fourth highest-paid linebacker in the league after Fred Warner, Roquan Smith, and Tremaine Edmunds.
The Eagles are off to a great start to offseason. Now, their next big decision will be regarding Mekhi Becton. Whether Roseman will be willing to break the bank for another unexpected breakout player remains to be seen.