It's officially a party. The Philadelphia Eagles' offensive and defensive MVPs are reportedly both going to be hanging around for a while. The first Tuesday in March brought news of Saquon Barkley's extension. A day later, we learned Zack Baun and the Birds have agreed to terms.
Saquon signed a three-year, $37.75 million deal with the Birds on March 13, 2024. When the new league year begins on March 12 at 4 p.m. EST, two years and another $41.2 million (with $36 million) will be added, making him, in essence, an Eagle for life. Per several sources including NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Zack Baun's shiny new deal will be official.
The Eagles and Zack Baun agree to a three-year extension.
Eagles fans rejoice! Throw a party. We sure have! Philly's top priority free agent isn't going anywhere. Zack Baun and the Birds have agreed, in terms, to a three-year, $51 million contract with $34M guaranteed. A few moments after Rapoport's update, Philly's social media team confirmed the news.
Eagles, LB Zack Baun agree on a 3-year, $51M contract with $34M guaranteed. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/mF6ESsOBe2
— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2025
The Bald Eagle is BACK ‼️
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 5, 2025
We’ve agreed to terms to sign Zack Baun to a three-year deal through 2027.@Toyota | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/kFSx8egbCr
Baun signed a one-year deal last offseason with the Birds on March 13. He was paid $3.5 million for his services. We can safely state that was one of the bargain deals in franchise history.
Stating Zack outplayed his price tag is an understatement. There were moments before the preseason when we thought he'd make the squad but land at the bottom of the depth chart. He didn't just make the roster. He started all 16 games he appeared in and led Philly in solo (93) and total tackles (151).
Baun's breakout seemed inevitable. During every chat with Vic Fangio during the preseason, he couldn't stop raving about the young man. His confidence seemed prophetic as his new pupil tallied 3.5 sacks including a game-ender in Brazil vs. the Green Bay Packers in the regular-season opener.
As the campaign continued, he added five QB hits, an interception, five forced fumbles, and four pass breakups to his 2024-25 regular-season resume. His first Pro Bowl nomination and a First-Team All-Pro nod followed.
Baun's brilliance continued into the postseason. He started all four games and collected 33 tackles, a QB hit, and two interceptions. One of those was one of the highlights of Philly's dominant Super Bowl win. He also notched a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and three pass breakups.
Wow!
This is one of those signings that makes us happy. This is almost like another Christmas present and belated Valentine's Day gift. Zack has more than earned his wings. Again, this new deal is well deserved. Howie Roseman and company get the job done again.