This offseason saw major changes for the Philadelphia Eagles, including the loss of three key starters on defense.
One of those starters was linebacker Nakobe Dean, who, despite injuries over the last two years, was an impact player on Philly's defense. Dean decided to sign a three-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders to be one of their new starting linebackers. Eagles linebacker Zack Baun spoke with the media and shared the impact Dean had on the team during his tenure.
“It hurt to see him leave," Baun said via Eagles reporter Anthony DiBona. "I thank him from the bottom of my heart for from when I came here to learn the system, to teach me how to play inside linebacker. That’s my brother; I wish him the best."
Zack Baun talks about losing Nakobe Dean in free agency
When Dean was on the field, he was better known for his work on blitz packages and for pressuring the quarterback. He had great instincts for finding the ball carrier and was athletic for a linebacker.
Now that he has left the team, 2025 first-round pick Jihaad Campbell takes over Dean's spot and will start alongside Baun at the inside linebacker spot. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is expected to see more playing time on defense after being a special teams ace in his first two years in the NFL.
Baun might have taken a very slight step back from his All-Pro season in 2024, but he still managed to be a Pro Bowler for the second straight season. There will be more put on Baun to be a leader in that position group and on defense.
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Dean will be missed within the organization, but the Eagles are known for recycling good linebackers no matter what, so Campbell appears ready for Year 2 in the NFL.
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