Eagles Get Encouraging Injury Update on $51 Million NFL All-Pro

For most teams, seeing their defense gutted like the Philadelphia Eagles did after winning Super Bowl LIX in dominant fashion would have almost certainly put a pin in their repeat hopes.

For the Eagles, it’s hardly that. There’s actually a chance the defense might, somehow, be better in 2025 thanks to a unique blend of young talent and depth.

You might even go as far to say on the defensive side of the ball there are only 3 players the season might go off the rails without; second year cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, NFL All-Pro defensive tackle Jalen Carter and NFL All-Pro inside linebacker Zack Baun.

With Baun, the need to keep him in the lineup becomes even more pronounced with fellow starting inside linebacker Nakobe Dean out with a torn patellar tendon suffered in last year’s playoffs and a rookie opposite him in first round pick Jihaad Campbell.

That’s why it was such a relief to see Baun back at practice on August 18 after being limited for most of the preseason so far with a back injury.

“Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said that the plan is for Baun to work in team drills,” Pro Football Talk’s Josh Alper wrote. “Baun has been dealing with a back injury for most of camp and has been a limited participant in practice recently. Baun’s limitations and Nakobe Dean’s ongoing absence as he rehabs a knee injury have given the Eagles a chance to see a lot of first-round pick Jihaad Campbell and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. at linebacker this summer. Fangio said both players will get work alongside Baun.”

Baun One Of NFL’s Great Underdog Stories in 2024

Baun entered 2024 with a position switch from edge rusher to inside linebacker and hoping to make the 53-man roster as a special teams ace and reliable backup.

By the end of training camp, Baun not only took the starting spot from fellow fee agent signee Devin White but did so in such convincing fashion the Eagles cut White outright.

Baun, who spent the first 4 seasons of his career with the New Orleans Saints, played out of his mind on a 1-year, $1.6 million contract as he led the Eagles with 151 tackles to go with 3.5 sacks, 11 TFL, 4 pass deflections and 5 forced fumbles.

The Eagles not only won the Super Bowl, they did so with Baun leading the way in a 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in which he had the game-sealing interception.

Philadelphia general manager Howie Roseman and owner Jeffrey Lurie rewarded Baun with a 3-year, $51 million contract on March 5 — not even letting him make it to the open market.

“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,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on his official X account on March 5. “The contract instantly makes Baun one of the highest-paid LBs in the NFL.”

The Eagles open the NFL regular season and their title defense at home against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, September 4.