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Could This DPOY Candidate Leave The Eagles?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Aiden Kauffman | Last updated Feb 2, 2025 6:11 PM ET

Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints drafted a little-known pass rusher out of Wisconsin in Zack Baun with a third-round pick back in 2020. After exploding onto the scene as an off-ball linebacker in his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Payton could be eyeing a reunion with the first-team All-Pro in Denver for 2025.

With the Eagles preparing to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX and Baun serving as a catalyst for the NFL's No. 1 defense, Philadelphia GM Howie Roseman is expected to make a strong push to retain his top pending free agent. However, ESPN insider Dan Graziano recently predicted Baun could command $60 million on the open market, a price tag that may prove too steep for an Eagles team facing tight cap constraints entering the new league year.

Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports predicts Baun will ultimately hit free agency and land with Payton's Broncos. "The Broncos got some nice play from Cody Barton, but Sean Payton could decide to upgrade with a player he drafted in the third round back in 2020 with the Saints," Dajani wrote. "Baun was one of the best players in the entire NFL this past season, as he recorded 151 combined tackles and 3.5 sacks in the regular season, and then became the first player to record 10 tackles, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery in a conference championship game or Super Bowl since Charles Tillman in Super Bowl XLI. Baun cashes in with Denver after a career year in Philly."

The Eagles find themselves in a difficult position with Baun, as the franchise tag number for linebackers is inflated by premier EDGE defenders. A new contract between $10 to $15 million in average annual value appears to be the only viable path forward, but Philadelphia must also consider re-signing other key starters including DT Milton Williams, EDGE Josh Sweat, and RG Mekhi Becton.

While there's mutual interest between Baun and the Eagles to reach a deal, some skepticism surrounds Payton's willingness to pay top dollar for a player he drafted but failed to develop in New Orleans. During his Saints tenure, Baun was primarily utilized as a situational pass rusher, never recording more than 30 tackles in a season.

The Eagles are poised to enter a fascinating offseason, potentially coming off a Super Bowl title, but current indicators suggest Baun will be their top priority in free agency.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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