Star LB Zack Baun on Why He Re-Signed with Philadelphia Eagles: “I Really Didn’t Want to Leave, and I Appreciate…”

March 24, 2025 – Zack Baun, the Philadelphia Eagles’ All-Pro linebacker and a breakout star of their Super Bowl LIX-winning 2024 season, has officially re-signed with the team – and he’s not shy about why. “I really didn’t want to leave, and I appreciate everything we built here,” Baun said in a heartfelt statement that’s got Eagles fans buzzing. After inking a reported three-year, $51 million deal with $34 million guaranteed, Baun’s decision to stay in Philly is a massive win for a franchise aiming to defend its title in 2025. But what drove this star LB to commit his prime years to the Eagles? Let’s dive into Baun’s journey, his words, and what this means for Philadelphia’s future.

From Backup to Breakout: Baun’s Eagles Transformation

Zack Baun’s story with the Eagles is one of redemption and revelation. Before landing in Philadelphia in March 2024 on a modest one-year, $3.5 million prove-it deal, Baun was a relative unknown. Drafted in the third round by the New Orleans Saints in 2020, he spent four seasons as a rotational edge rusher and special teams contributor, never topping 27% of defensive snaps in a year. His career stats with the Saints – 88 tackles, 2 sacks – hardly hinted at stardom.

Then came Philly. Under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Baun transitioned to off-ball linebacker and erupted. In 2024, he led the NFL’s No. 1 defense with 151 tackles, added 3.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 5 forced fumbles, and an interception during the regular season. His postseason was even more electric: 33 tackles, 2 interceptions (including one in the Super Bowl against Patrick Mahomes), and a takeaway in every game as the Eagles crushed the Chiefs 40-22. Baun earned First-Team All-Pro honors, a Pro Bowl nod, and a fifth-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting – a meteoric rise that made him a free-agent prize.

Why Stay? Baun’s Emotional Connection to Philly

With free agency looming in 2025, Baun could’ve cashed in elsewhere. Teams like the New England Patriots or Chicago Bears, hungry for defensive talent, might’ve offered even bigger paydays. Yet, he chose to stay. Why? His own words tell the tale: “I really didn’t want to leave, and I appreciate everything we built here – the culture, the people, the system. It just felt right for me and my family.”

Baun’s appreciation runs deep. Speaking to reporters after signing his new deal on March 19, 2025, he elaborated: “What we built here, the culture here, and honestly, I was just a piece of the puzzle that was put into a great culture already established. The people that work here, the system’s in place – everything I felt this past year just clicked.” That “click” was a Super Bowl run, a career-defining season, and a locker room he couldn’t bear to abandon. For Baun, Philly isn’t just a team – it’s home.

The Eagles’ Culture: A Magnet for Talent

Baun’s decision shines a spotlight on the Eagles’ winning culture – a key factor in his choice to re-sign. General Manager Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni have built a juggernaut since the team’s 2023 playoff collapse, blending stars like Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley with emerging talents like Baun and Jalen Carter. The 2024 season – a 15-2 record and a Super Bowl romp – proved the formula works.

Baun’s not alone in praising the vibe. “I love the coaching staff, the guys in the locker room, the organization, the fans,” he said during Super Bowl week. That sentiment echoes across the roster, from Barkley’s own extension to Lane Johnson’s loyalty through 2027. For Baun, staying meant building on a foundation that turned a Saints castoff into a Defensive Player of the Year contender in just one year.

The Contract: A Win-Win Deal

Baun’s new contract – three years, $51 million with $34 million guaranteed – makes him the fourth-highest-paid linebacker in the NFL, behind Roquan Smith, Fred Warner, and Tremaine Edmunds. At $17 million per year, it’s a hefty raise from his $3.5 million 2024 salary, yet some argue it’s a bargain for Philly. Had Baun hit the open market, his 2024 stats and playoff heroics could’ve fetched $20 million annually. Instead, he took a team-friendly deal to stay with a contender.

“I think about what we did in one year with so many new pieces,” Baun said. “If that was my starting point, I’m excited about this team and this defense moving forward.” That excitement reflects confidence in Fangio’s scheme, where he thrived as a sideline-to-sideline playmaker. Roseman, historically frugal with linebackers, broke the bank for Baun – proof he’s an outlier worth the investment.

Family Matters: Stability in Philly

Baun’s family played a big role in his decision. Married with a young son, Elian, he’s found stability in Philadelphia. “We absolutely love it here,” he told NFL.com. “My wife does a fantastic job coordinating things for me and my family. I’m thankful for where football has taken my life.” After a viral video of Elian celebrating in confetti post-NFC Championship, it’s clear Philly’s embrace extends beyond the field. Staying means roots, not just rings.

What’s Next for Baun and the Eagles?

At 28, Baun’s entering his prime with room to grow. “I felt like toward the end of the season, I was playing so confidently that I knew I was going to make a play,” he said. “I’m excited to build off that.” With Nakobe Dean recovering from injury and veterans like Brandon Graham retiring, Baun’s the anchor of a defense poised to dominate again in 2025. Pair him with Carter, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean, and the Eagles’ D could be even scarier.

For the Eagles, Baun’s re-signing is a statement: the Super Bowl champs aren’t resting. With Barkley locked up and Hurts under center, Philly’s core is intact. Their March 27 opener against the Detroit Tigers looms – could Baun’s next big play come there? Fans hope so.

Fan Reaction: Philly Loves Baun Back

Eagles Nation is over the moon. On X, one fan posted, “Zack Baun staying? Best news of the offseason – Fly Eagles Fly!” Another wrote, “He didn’t want to leave, and we didn’t want him to go. Perfect match.” The linebacker who predicted his Super Bowl pick of Mahomes has Philly dreaming of a dynasty.

A Legacy in the Making

Zack Baun’s re-signing with the Philadelphia Eagles isn’t just a contract – it’s a love letter to a city, a team, and a culture that transformed him. “I really didn’t want to leave, and I appreciate…” isn’t just a quote – it’s a promise to keep building on 2024’s magic. As the 2025 season nears, Baun’s gold jacket dreams and the Eagles’ title hopes ride together. What’s your take on Baun’s return? Sound off below!