The Philadelphia Eagles capped off an incredible 2024 season with a dominant 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59.
It was an impressive performance as the Eagles defeated the Chiefs in all three phases of the game, en route to their second Super Bowl title in franchise history. The Eagles will try to repeat as Super Bowl champs next season, but it won’t be easy as multiple players might not be back with the team.
One of those key players is veteran linebacker Zack Baun. He played an integral part in the Eagles' defensive transformation this season and had a key turnover in the Super Bowl. Baun will be a highly sought-after free agent as he was named to his first Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro.
However, the veteran linebacker doesn’t want to leave the City of Brotherly Love. According to Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports, Baun said on Thursday that he loves it in Philadelphia and the Eagles “refined” his love for the game.
Zack Baun is hoping he can re-sign with the #Eagles.
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) February 13, 2025
“Hopefully it’s here. I love this place.”
Baun said Philadelphia “refined my love for the game.” #Eagles
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) February 13, 2025
The 28-year-old defender signed a one-year deal with the Eagles this past offseason after he spent the prior four years with the New Orleans Saints. No one did not know what to expect from Baun as he’s been a core special teams player for most of his career.
However, outside of Saquon Barkley, Baun was one of the most important free agents that the team signed last season. The veteran defender posted career-highs across the board with 151 combined tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5 quarterback hits, 5 forced fumbles, 3.5 sacks, and an interception.
Spotrac projects Baun’s calculated market value at a two-year, $19.5 million deal. Based on his performance this season, the veteran linebacker will likely get more than that. Therefore, it's up to the Eagles to find a way to keep Baun around for the long-term.