Last month, PFF predicted that Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun could end up signing with the Washington Commanders in free agency this offseason. Well, after Baun's first-half performance in Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, the linebacker's free-agent price tag likely increased.
With less than two minutes to go in the second quarter, the Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes faced a 1st-and-10 from their own six-yard line. Mahomes took the snap and then proceeded to throw an interception right into the mits of Baun at the Kansas City 14-yard line.
With the pick, it meant that the veteran linebacker recovered a fumble or intercepted a pass in each of Philadelphia's four playoff games this season. The postseason is where the best players in the league tend to shine, and Baun definitely proved his worth in the last few weeks.
Philadelphia Eagles LB Zack Baun might be too expensive for the Washington Commanders after Super Bowl vs. Kansas City Chiefs
After only starting a total of 14 games in his first four NFL seasons, the Eagles were able to essentially steal Baun in free agency last offseason when they signed him to a one-year deal worth only $3.5 million. But there's no way he's going to be that cheap when he hits free agency again in a few weeks.
Heading into Sunday, Spotrac had Baun's projected market value at being worth an average annual salary of $9.7 million and that number might actually end up going up a bit once free agency actually begins in March.
The 2024 campaign was really Baun's first season as a full-time starting linebacker in the NFL and he certainly made the most of his opportunity, as he was selected to the NFC's Pro Bowl roster and the All-Pro First-Team for the first time in his pro career.
Baun would be a great addition in the middle of Washington's defense next season, but they just have to decide if they are willing to pay whatever it ends up costing to sign him.
