Eagles' Zack Baun Lands Major Ranking Ahead of 2026 Season

Philadelphia Eagles star linebacker Zack Baun has played at a high level over the last couple of seasons and is gaining recognition.

Baun ranked fourth among off-ball linebackers for the 2026 season by league executives and coaches, only trailing Fred Warner, Roquan Smith, and Carson Schwesinger. 

Baun's breakout campaign came in the 2024 season for the Eagles, as he finished with 151 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, four pass deflections, an interception, five forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. 

The 29-year-old played at a high level again in 2025, as he had 123 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, seven pass deflections, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He's become a key piece for Philadelphia's defense over the last couple of seasons. 

"He's got lateral quickness and is an incredibly smart player," an NFL personnel evaluator said. "He's perfect for Vic's [Fangio] scheme, can play close to the line and get pressure or can play off the ball."

Baun is entering the second year of a three-year $51 million deal with the Eagles and was a Pro Bowler each of the last two seasons. As Philadelphia looks to get back to Super Bowl contention after an exit in the Wild Card in the 2025 season, Baun will continue to be a pivotal piece for Fangio's defense.

His role becomes even more important in 2026 as linebacker Nakobe Dean left for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency on a three-year, $36 million deal. 

Dean has been a quality piece for the Eagles over the last couple of seasons. His best year came in 2024, as he had 128 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, four pass deflections, an interception, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.

In the 2025 season, Dean only appeared in 10 games, finishing with 55 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, a pass deflection, and two forced fumbles.

With Dean out, Philadelphia will lean on Baun to continue leading the charge, with Jihaad Campbell stepping into Dean's role.

The Eagles have a talented roster heading into the 2026 season and will look to repeat as NFC East Champions while making a deeper run in the postseason.

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