This story was updated to correct a misspelling/typo.
2024 has been the breakout year for former Wisconsin Badgers and current Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun.
Baun signed a one-year deal with the Eagles in March after four seasons with the New Orleans Saints. He had struggled to break through with the Saints after joining the team as a third-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft. He primarily played on special teams, and never played more than 27% of the team’s defensive snaps in any of his four seasons.
The former Badger found his stride in Philadelphia. He has held a starting inside linebacker job all season, quarterbacking an Eagles defense that leads the league in total defense (280.9 yards allowed per game) and is third in points allowed per game (18.1).
Baun’s individual numbers are even more impressive. He has 151 total tackles (fourth most in the NFL), 11 tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, 3 1/2 sacks, five forced fumbles, four pass deflections and an interception.
According to CBS’ Jeff Kerr, Baun is the only player in NFL history with more than 150 tackles and five forced fumbles in a single season.
Zack Baun is the only player in #NFL history with 150+ tackles and 5+ forced fumbles in a season.#Eagles
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) December 31, 2024
The former Badger’s breakout is one of the stories of the league this season. He went from totals of 30 tackles, four tackles for loss, four quarterback hits and two sacks in 2023 to the aforementioned NFL-leading stats. His current pace makes him a lock for Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors when the season concludes.
Notably, this follows Baun spending his college career as a pass-rushing outside linebacker. His final season with the Badgers included 76 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 12 1/2 sacks, one interception, two pass deflections and two forced fumbles. The switch from a 3-4 outside linebacker role to his current position is a significant one.
The Eagles saw something in Baun’s history or game film to prioritize him during free agency and entered the 2024 season with him as the team’s leading stand-up inside linebacker. They’ve benefited greatly from the signing and are set to enter the playoffs as the NFC’s No. 2 seed.
The only remaining question is how much money Baun signs for this offseason.
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