Pass-Rusher Signs With Philadelphia Eagles After Years Of Underutilization With New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are feeling the effects of this loss, even though it was not totally unexpected. Former Saints linebacker Zack Baun attracted attention as soon as the NFL’s free agency season opened and was able to find a place to call home.
Zack Baun (53), a linebacker with the New Orleans Saints, is on the kickoff return squad.Dec. 25, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Zack Baun, 53, of the New Orleans Saints, on the kickoff return squad during the second half of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome game against the Minnesota Vikings. Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports’ Chuck Cook Dec. 25, 2020, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, Semifinal; New Orleans Saints linebacker Zack Baun #53 on the kickoff return team during the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome versus the Minnesota Vikings; Required Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Baun anticipates signing a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. It won’t be the start of the new league year until Wednesday, March 13. Even though the signing won’t be formal until then, these agreements usually hold. The landing site is nearly too obvious. Smaller, more athletic linebackers that can cause havoc in the backfield are highly coveted by the Eagles. For Baun, that is the ideal role. In his four years in New Orleans, Baun never had the chance to show off his strength there. Possibly in a disappointing way.
It wasn’t until the last few games of 2023 that Baun saw regular usage as a pass rusher. He had 15 total pressures by the end of the season, including two sacks, according to Pro Football Focus. Additionally, he played a crucial role in limiting mobile quarterbacks. For many years, New Orleans attempted to develop Baun into an off-ball linebacker in addition to having him play a vital role on special teams. Because of his size, they decided against employing him as a pressure player off the edge (6-foot-3 and 225 pounds). He now finds himself in a system run by veteran coach Vic Fangio. It appears highly likely that the outgoing Saints defender has finally found the ideal landing position and system.
