Linebacker Zack Baun made an immediate impact after leaving the New Orleans Saints for the Philadelphia Eagles, helping his new team capture a Super Bowl title in his first season. He’s already proven he’s worth the three-year, $51 million deal the Eagles were willing to give him, as he led the NFL’s top-ranked defense in tackles (151) and earned his first Pro Bowl selection. While the Saints miss Baun, Baun also misses quarterback Jameis Winston and all of the memories that came from playing with him.
Zack Baun Opens Up About Unique Bond with Former Teammate Jameis Winston
Winston has a reputation that comes along with him, one that sees him as the comedic relief on the team. While Winston is able to go out there and prove himself as a consistent leader on the field, his work behind the scenes loosens up players and keeps everyone laughing. Baun made it very clear that Winston could say something random at any given moment that would pop the entire locker room.
“[He’s] the best teammate ever,” Baun said. “He’s the funniest teammate ever, by far. He was my locker neighbor, and I’d have no idea what he was going to say. I’d be tying my shoe after practice and he’d be spewing something random, you didn’t know what it was going to be. And the thing is he’s so genuine about it, he’s not even trying to be funny.”
“That’s just how he is,” Baun continued. “The pre-game speeches, we’d go out to the field and come back in and Jameis would always say something to everyone. Some crazy stuff, so I always made sure I would record the ground but capture whatever he was going to say.”
The duo spent four seasons together from 2020-2023, with each going their separate ways last season. Baun earned a Super Bowl in his first season with Philly while Winston started seven games for the Cleveland Browns. The Browns QB room that now includes Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, left no room for Winston as he prepares to suit up for the New York Giants.
Winston will have to compete for QB1, a spot that is likely reserved for Russell Wilson who enters his 14th season this year. Keep in mind, the team also drafted Jaxson Dart, who has emerged as a player that could start if the team is out of playoff contention later in the year. For Winston, he’s just going to continue to be himself as the Giants look to achieve any sort of success.
A reunion is in order as the Eagles head to New York on Thursday, October 9 for a divisional matchup. In the Giants’ second primetime game of the year, they’ll host the reigning Super Bowl Champions while Baun will get to see Winston for the first time since Week 6 last season when the Eagles beat the Browns, 20-16.