The New Orleans Saints have their first few official departures in free agency, including a former third-round pick who never really quite fit.
Linebacker Zack Baun has agreed to a free agent deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Baun is the second Saints free agent to find a new destination along with Lonnie Johnson Jr., who is set to sign with the Houston Texans.
The former Wisconsin standout was a third round pick of the Saints in the 2020 draft but never seemed to be a scheme fit as an off-the-ball linebacker. He was, though a special teams standout, which kept his roster spot secure. Due to injuries in the 2023 season Baun saw his role expand to be a situational pass-rusher, impacting several games late in the year.
Baun's Saints career will end after four seasons, with 88 total tackles, 2 sacks and an interception.
The NFL's legal tampering period kicked off on Monday, though no deal can become official until the start of the new league year on March 11. As of 5 p.m. Monday the Saints had not yet been linked to any free agent signings, but they did ink veteran team leaders Demario Davis and Tyrann Mathieu to extensions.
The Saints will have decisions to make on sevearl other free agents, some notable names including OT Andrus Peat and CB Isaac Yiadom.
