When the confetti began to fall in New Orleans marking the end of Super Bowl LIX, the Philadelphia Eagles knew they couldn't celebrate for too long.
Many of the stars that helped bring them a title were pending free agents following the conclusion of the season. That bitter moment was forgotten about until recent weeks as the Eagles shift their focus to the scouting combine and free agency.
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (53)
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
While the Birds have plenty of decisions to make regarding each player, one in particular has become a fan favorite and a "must re-sign" for many across the country.
Linebacker Zack Baun turned heads all season going from a situational edge rusher with the New Orleans Saints into a first-team All-Pro off-ball linebacker with the Eagles. He's set to hit free agency in a few weeks - something general manager Howie Roseman knows he'll need to get ahead of moving forward.
"First-team All-Pro, top-five defensive player of the year. Tremendous person," Roseman said when discussing Baun at the NFL's scouting combine in Indianapolis. “Made a huge difference during the regular season, made a huge difference during the playoffs, made a huge difference in the Super Bowl. ... Those are guys that you want to keep. There’s no doubt about it.
"We’ll make a concerted effort to try to keep him here."
Baun tallied over 150 tackles during the season with 3.5 sacks, an interception, and five forced fumbles. On top of being an All-Pro, Baun was a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award - an award he finished fifth in voting for.
The former Wisconsin product is at the top of the list for players the Eagles need to re-sign. That much is obvious. But his price is highly controversial at this point.
While Baun's season was historic, there's no guarantee he can put up those kind of numbers again in a different defensive scheme. It's why the Eagles are doing everything in their power to retain the veteran as soon as they can.
