Earlier in the week, the Philadelphia Eagles re-signed their 2024 NFL First-Team All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun. According to ESPN analyst Adam Schefter, the contract is a three-year, $51 million deal, with $31 million fully guaranteed for Baun.
“Breaking: Eagles are re-signing All-Pro LB Zack Baun to a three-year, $51 million contract, including $34 million guaranteed at signing and an additional $1.5 million in incentives and escalators, per sources. The contract instantly makes Baun one of the highest-paid LBs in the NFL,” Schefter stated.
Following the major news, NFL analyst Emmanuel Acho provided his immediate thoughts on the new contract. Acho was formerly a member of the Eagles organization during his playing career.
What Did Emmanuel Acho Say About Zack Baun’s Extension?
Acho made clear his belief that the move was a good one for both Baun and the Eagles franchise.
“Zack Baun finally got paid… It’s a good deal for both parties. Great deal for Zack Baun. You go from making $1.5 million to $51 million, with $34 million guaranteed. So, let’s talk about that number. That’s why it’s great for the Eagles. It’s basically a two-year, $34 million deal.
Where does Zack Baun rank amongst linebackers? 4th in average annual value at $17 million a year, behind Roquan Smith, Fred Warner, Tremaine Edmunds, and then Zack Baun. Great deal for the Eagles,” Acho stated.
BREAKING: Eagles are re-signing All-Pro LB Zack Baun to a three-year, $51 million contract: Instant Reaction pic.twitter.com/FvSZyp5Grx
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) March 5, 2025
Zack Baun’s Breakout Season
Baun had a phenomenal 2024 campaign and was a major reason behind the Eagles’ defensive success this year. This past year, Baun had 151 total tackles, 93 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and one interception. All of those values were either tied or were career highs for Baun.
Baun spent the first four years of his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints, the team he was drafted by in the 2020 NFL Draft. After going in the third round, No. 74 overall, Baun became a regular on the Saints defensive unit; however, he did not perform anywhere near the elite level he did this past season.
As a result, Baun signed a prove-it one-year deal last offseason, something that proved to be a great decision for both the player and the organization. Not only did Baun drastically exceed individual expectations, but he also stabilized and provided leadership for the young Eagles defense, a unit that was key in their Super Bowl Championship this year.
Baun and the Eagles are now set to continue their journey together next season after the news of the contract extension earlier this week.