A Super Bowl Reflection
On the Tuesday following the Eagles’ triumphant victory in Super Bowl LIX, Zack Baun found himself in a surreal position. His wife, eager to relive the moment, wanted to watch the game again. As they settled in front of the TV, Baun felt a strange detachment. “I felt like I was just watching ‘the Super Bowl,’” he said during locker cleanout day on Thursday. “It’s kind of weird for me to tell you that, but it’s true.” The 28-year-old linebacker, whose journey to superstardom was nothing short of miraculous, still needed time to process his remarkable achievement.
From Afterthought to All-Pro
Baun’s 2024 season was a tale of resilience and unexpected excellence. Signed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal last March, he joined the Eagles with an unclear role. Having just completed his rookie contract with the Saints, where his position was similarly undefined, Baun was seen primarily as a special teams ace with defensive potential. However, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio recognized Baun’s talents and immediately plugged him into the starting lineup at inside linebacker. That decision paid off in spades, as Baun not only adapted but excelled, becoming arguably the best linebacker in football. His performance was so stellar that he finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting, a testament to his impact on the team.
Post-Season Considerations
Now, with the Super Bowl behind him, Baun faces the next big milestone: free agency. This year, his prospects are far brighter than they were last. The All-Pro hasn’t yet had the chance to ponder his future, though, as he was still recovering from the euphoria of the victory and a headache from the parade. “Maybe early next week after I’ve recovered from a headache,” he joked. “Next week I think I’ll really start diving deep into what my future holds.” Baun’s exceptional play this season will likely attract significant interest from multiple teams, and the financial opportunity is significant. According to Spotrac, he could command a deal with an estimated annual value of $9.7 million, a substantial increase from his previous contract.
Weighing Options
Baun’s decision on his next move won’t be based solely on financial terms. He’s acutely aware of the critical factors such as scheme fit and team culture. This season in Philadelphia has been a renaissance for Baun, reviving his love for the game and rekindling his passion. “It’s revived my love for the game, honestly,” he said. “I think it was dwindling there in New Orleans for a while. It just revived my love for this and the passion I have for this game. It’s not about the Super Bowl win. It is but it isn’t.” The personal accolades and team success have been secondary to the intrinsic satisfaction of performing at his best and enjoying the journey with his teammates.
A Year of Impact
Baun’s 2024 season was a statistical tour de force. He amassed 151 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 4 pass breakups, 1 interception, and 5 QB hits, all while contributing significantly to the playoffs. His standout moment came in the Super Bowl, where he made a crucial interception that helped secure the victory. Despite his initial claims that he didn’t set any specific goals for himself, Baun later admitted to having a modest aim: hit 100 tackles and make a meaningful impact. He achieved both and more. The linebacker was particularly proud of his coverage skills, an area where he hadn’t expected to excel. “I’m proud of myself. I really am, genuinely,” he said. “And the crazy part is, this is my first year doing it. What is Year 2 going to look like? What is Year 3 going to look like?”
The Path Forward
Eagles fans are holding out hope that Baun will stay with the team, and his deep appreciation for Philadelphia makes the possibility enticing. “My goal every time is to play the best football I can. Hopefully, it’s here. I love this place and I really appreciate what they’ve done for my career and my family and just everything,” he shared. The decision will be a complex one, balancing financial security with the fit and culture of the team. As Baun takes time to recover and reflect, he will soon have to dive into the details and determine the best path for his future. For now, though, he’s savoring the victory and the incredible season that has redefined his career.
