The Philadelphia Eagles could lose free agent linebacker Zack Baun after the Super Bowl today. According to CBS Sports, they list Baun as a top 10 free agent in this contest between the Eagles and Chiefs to no surprise since debuting in Philadelphia earlier this 2024 campaign. Originally selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Wisconsin product came into the league barely getting any playing time as a full-time starter with the Saints for three seasons before the Eagles took a chance on him. Luckily, it has been faring well for the linebacker who is having a breakout year after being one of the players that the NFL mentioned as a Defensive Player of the Year nominee.
No better way for Baun to set himself up for a long-term contract extension but it might not happen with the Eagles. According to Over the Cap, the team only has $18 million in salary cap so it’s hard to imagine the team will be able to give a lucrative deal for Baun. It is a true “rags-to-riches” story for the linebacker where he was playing on the outside but the Eagles moved in the middle and that is paving the way for much of his success. Since recording 150 tackles, 11 for loss, 3.5 sacks, five quarterback hits and a fumble recovery, it’s going to be interesting what he may wind up doing but should test the free agent market depending on the outcome of the Super Bowl.
Meanwhile, Josh Sweat is another defensive piece they will attempt to bring back but after switching agents, he’s going where the money is. This will likely be the case for Baun depending on what he wants to do. However, Philadelphia should act quickly.
Eagles Could Lose Top 10 Free Agent Zack Baun After Super Bowl – Ravens, Panthers Possible Next Destinations
Boosting Baltimore’s Defense
The Baltimore Ravens had one of the most explosive offenses this past 2024 campaign but the defense couldn’t hold up their own of the bargain. Quarterback Lamar Jackson and bulldozer Derrick Henry form one of the best duos in the league but the linebacker department on defense is depleting. Trenton Simpson didn’t have a monster year since parting ways with Jadeveon Clowney last offseason while Kyle Van Noy and Roquan Smith kept the pass rush afloat. Odafe Oweh is carving out a promising role but David Ojabo has yet to kick down the door and explode even though he’s more of a rotating linebacker.
Perhaps, they could trade or release Ojabo while they move Baun on the outside to see how he can excel. Either way, since Van Noy is aging, it’s safe to bet on a guy like Baun to assist. These two middle linebacking monsters could create a phenomenal disruptor that can finally improve one of the worst Ravens’ pass defenses last season.
New Carolina Arc
The Carolina Panthers spent all of their time building up a roster for quarterback Bryce Young. However, the team finally has two capable wideouts in Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker so that should leave Young in good hands as long as they can find a dependable veteran wideout in free agency to help. This should be the offseason where Carolina finds a way to build up their pass rush. With Derrick Brown returning, the Panthers should put him in a better spot where he could ram in the open gaps where linebackers make it easier to do so.
After losing Brian Burns last offseason, the Panthers never found a replacement since leaving for the New York Giants. Perhaps, they could sign Baun if he becomes available and the highlight of this defense.
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