When Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun arrived in 2024, expectations were low because he had a cheap one-year contract, but he turned that season into an All-Pro and Pro Bowl performance.
The Eagles rewarded him with a massive contract extension and followed it up with a second straight Pro Bowl season. Something happened with Philly's feelings towards Zack Baun, though, as the Eagles have reworked his contract. Over the Cap's Troy explained on X what happened and what changes were made.
"Philadelphia reworked Zack Baun's contract by turning 2028 into a real contract year to facilitate a Post-June 1 release at the start of the 2028 league year."
Philadelphia reworked Zack Baun's contract by turning 2028 into a real contract year to facilitate a Post-June 1 release at the start of the 2028 league year.https://t.co/ioRtRL85DM
— Troy_OTC (@TexansCap) May 8, 2026
What changed with Zack Buan and his contract reworked?
On Baun's current contract, he is guaranteed roughly $16 million for the 2026 season, but nothing else, as this new change makes the 2026 season a make-or-break season for him. While he is under contract through the 2027 season, the Eagles now have the option to cut him after June 1, 2027, or bring him back in 2028 without a negative cap hit.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that this might be more about cap flexibility than anything else. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has a way to work the salary cap and contracts to the team's advantage, and he wants a backup just in case things fall apart with Baun.
Over the last two years, Baun has been as good a linebacker as there has been in the NFL, as he has racked up 274 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 11 pass deflections, 10 quarterback hits, seven sacks, six forced fumbles, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries in 32 games. He has been to the Pro Bowl twice and was an All-Pro selection with the two games he has missed being the last games of each of the 2024 and 2025 campaigns.
The Eagles will be leaning on Baun more this season as Jihaad Campbell officially replaces Nakobe Dean in the starting lineup at linebacker and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. takes a bigger role on defense. Baun has been as consistent as anyone in the NFL, as he has been stellar at blitzing the quarterback and creating pressure.
Read more: Eagles fans are being advised to not be as excited about 2026 season than expected
There may not be a better linebacker right now than Baun, but Roseman is always thinking three steps ahead. Let's hope no regression happens, or Baun might be out of a job in the 2027 offseason.
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