Eagles star linebacker Zack Baun never wanted to leave Philadelphia in free agency—and he never came close.
"I really didn't want to leave. What we built here, the culture here—I was just a piece of the puzzle,” Baun said during his Zoom interview session with reporters. "I really didn't want to leave and just appreciated everything we built."
Baun, happy he never made it to free agency, signed a three-year contract through 2027, reportedly worth $51 million, including $34 million guaranteed.
"Very little about it was about money. It was all about fit. Being in a place where you feel comfortable is key."Zack Baun
Baun felt more than comfortable in his first season with the Eagles, alright. After leaving the New Orleans Saints as a free agent this time last year, Baun was a big-time surprise to many, helping the Eagles win Super Bowl LIX with the league's No. 1-ranked defense under coordinator Vic Fangio.
Baun, who switched positions to play off the ball, became a Pro Bowler for the first time, as well as a First-Team All-Pro and an NFL Defensive Player of the Year finalist.
He even told teammates he was going to come up with an interception in the Super Bowl—and sure enough, Baun picked off Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes in what turned into a blowout on the biggest stage.
Baun had a takeaway in each of the Eagles' playoff games, including the Super Bowl, and led the team with seven tackles against Kansas City.
If anyone questioned his brilliant season and worth, it was on display when it mattered most.
Of course, with a big year and a big payday comes pressure—especially as the Eagles have revamped their defense, saying goodbye to Brandon Graham, who retired, and trading safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Texans. Linemen Milton Williams and Josh Sweat also left in free agency, signing massive contracts with the Patriots and Cardinals, respectively.
Baun, now one of the highest-paid linebackers in the NFL, says he’s not feeling extra pressure despite landing the biggest contract of his life. Instead, he views this as an opportunity to grow and believes the sky is the limit with another year to get comfortable in Fangio’s system.
"Excited to build off that confidence," said Baun.
The Eagles have had confidence in Baun dating back to his time in New Orleans, where he struggled to get consistent playing time.
"He was a targeted player," Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said about Baun.
While fans may believe Baun was a diamond in the rough who became a sparkling piece of their championship defense, Roseman specifically targeted him last year during free agency.
"They knew I wanted to be here," Baun said. "It’s nice to be here in one place." Baun, who admitted to crying after games in New Orleans, says he leaned on his wife and agent during those time times and yes his hard work is finally paying off.
“[Eagles] embrace me so much, the coaches, players, cafeteria staff – everyone just accepted me like a big family," Baun said during the season. “I compare it to the time I transferred high schools. I was kind of uncomfortable, and when I transferred, I felt like I could be myself and be me.”
It’s been a magical year on and off the field for Baun. He and his wife welcomed a baby, and he hopes he and his family can call Philadelphia home for the rest of his career.
Baun now hopes to grow his game and become more of a leader in the locker room.