Eagles Free Agency Preview: Zack Baun
Zack Baun's play this year was simply outstanding and as a result he is due for a big raise from the $3.5m one-year contract he signed for last year.
But the truth is his new contract isn't as simple as "he's one of the best linebackers in the league so he'll get paid like one." His age and only one year of elite play will likely play a factor in what he commands on the open market.
Arguably the most important number when projecting a player's contract is age.
Zack Baun is 28. He will turn 29 in December. That isn't going to to help him in free agency. The current top five linebacker contracts were all signed when the player was 26 or younger.
Of the top 5, only one was 26. The rest were 24/25. Of the top 10 only one was 28. None were 29. So while he played at the level (or better) of a Roquan Smith, Fred Warner or Patrick Queen it would be shocking if he gets that kind of contract. That is almost definitely not happening and as a result he should be very much in the Eagles price range.
Comparable Contracts:
Foyesade Oluokun, LB, Jacksonville: Signed a 3-year, $30m contract, $8m signing bonus, $21m guaranteed Was 28 at signing Had 3 seasons of 100+ tackles before signing. Had 5 seasons of full-time linebacker play
Alex Anzalone, LB, Detroit Signed a 3-year, $18m contract, $4.8m signing bonus, $9m guaranteed Was 28 at signing Didn't have a ton of production prior to the deal. Close to Baun with one legit season (2022), but not as good as Baun's
Zaire Franklin, LB, Colts: Signed a 3-year, $31m contract, $17m guaranteed Was 27 at signing Had 5 years of experience before he signed it. Had one big season.
Contract Prediction: Baun's age and one year of elite play is going to impact his contract. My guess is he is probably looking at 3-year deal worth $30m-ish with most of it backloaded, around $15-17m guaranteed and a bunch of dummy years to stretch out the guaranteed money. A true two-year deal.
Chances Re-Signs With Eagles: 85%
