Every NFC contender, not just the Green Bay Packers, is jealous of the talent on the Philadelphia Eagles‘ roster. From running back to receiver to a ferocious defensive line, that crew is stacked.
Those teams should also envy the Eagles for their aggression in retaining their stars. After RB Saquon Barkley rushed for over 2000 yards his first year in Philly, becoming the 9th player ever to reach that single-season threshold, the front office promptly signed him to a 2-year, $41.2M extension on Tuesday.
The very next day, they secured another piece of their championship roster for the long term. He was not the hottest topic in Packers free agency rumors, but his departure from the market left hopeful fans disappointed all the same.
Philadelphia Eagles Aren’t Leaving Their Stars’ Next Homes to Chance
Adam Schefter has had a busy day and the Eagles didn’t give him a breather by prompting this announcement Wednesday afternoon:
Breaking: Eagles are re-signing All-Pro LB Zack Baun to a three-year, $51 million contract, including $34 million guaranteed at signing and additional $1.5 million in incentives and escalators, per sources. The contract instantly makes Baun one of the highest-paid LBs in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/n7zkzIgwcD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2025
Baun finished last season ranked at the top of most linebacker categories. His 111 solo tackles (per PFF; ESPN gives him 93) were 6th at his position. His four sacks ranked 4th. Forcing five fumbles put him no.1 among linebackers.
His 90.1 overall PFF grade ranked 2nd among 189 eligible LBs. An excellent pass rusher and run defender, he finished just outside the upper quartile in linebacker ranks in those areas. His 91.7 score in pass coverage was best in the league.
In a group that includes premium edge rushers like Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, generally higher-paid than LBs who specialize in run defense or coverage, Baun’s new salary is tied for 15th at the position.
Arguably the best available middle-of-the-field LB, Baun was never a red-hot name in Packers free agent gossip. With other needs, the team was likely not looking to burn cash for Baun’s skillset, anyway, but his pure ability made him an attractive possibility nonetheless.
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Green Bay Packers Fans Lay Zach Baun Hopes to Rest
While Green Bay did not make a push for Baun, it is not as though they entered free agency without holes in the middle of the field. Having relinquished Eric Wilson and Isaiah McDuffie to free agency, the Packers were missing 169 total tackles from last season.
On Monday, they addressed part of the void by re-signing McDuffie for 2 years and $8M. A solid maneuver, it is not the kind of move that makes waves in the market or sparks celebration among fans.
Some received the Baun news with a glass half-empty response–sort of like seeing a neighbor pull up in a BMW even though the Subaru in your driveway suits your needs just fine.
so we not getting zach baun pic.twitter.com/B7nDRLzoro
— RELAX (@itsssRELAX) March 5, 2025
Commenters replied in kind, concluding, “so we not getting anyone” alongside the same GIF.
“We might as just accept we ain’t getting any top tier free agents lol,” another lamented.
Given that Baun is a former Badger and native of Brown Deer, Wisconsin, he has a stronger fan base among Packers fans than one might expect. In that respect, the disappointment is understandable.
Others, however, are confident in the team’s plans elsewhere in the free agency and trade markets:
“We getting DK & Myles dawg. Trust.”
“Can’t afford Myles Garrett if we sign Zack Baun.”
“We getting Myles Garrett (I hope).”
“as much as i wanted him at least we were able to get a solid mcduffie back and we get the linebackers of the future in coop n quay.”
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Ok, so bagging both Metcalf and Garrett might be a stretch. But who knows? The offseason is young. Depending on what the Packers are willing to sacrifice in exchange for proven talent, they might roster a new fan favorite before next season.
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