Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman made some high-risk, high-reward moves in free agency this offseason. The results have been mixed at best.
Running back Saquon Barkley has been a resounding success as one of the NFL’s rushing leaders entering Week 5. EDGE rusher Bryce Huff, however, has been a complete disaster as Roseman’s bold backup plan to the Haason Reddick trade.
Roseman and the Eagles did get some love this week for a low-key free agent signing that’s become a key cog in Vic Fangio’s defense.
Zack Baun, a former third-round pick of the New Orleans Saints, signed with the Eagles on a team-friendly, one-year deal worth $1.6 million in March. He’s blossomed into an every down player for the Eagles, managing a successful switch to inside linebacker. He entered the bye week tied with Nakobe Dean for third on the team in total defensive snaps.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox picked one hidden gem from all 32 NFL teams on Friday, and Baun was his pick for the Eagles. Here’s Knox’s take on one of the team’s early unsung heroes:
After being taken by New Orleans in the third round of the 2020 draft, Baun largely disappeared into the Saints defense. He's finally finding a defined role with Vic Fangio's unit, though, and has been one of the brightest spots on the Eagles' defense thus far.
"He's been relentless to the football," head coach Nick Sirianni said, per The Athletic's Brooks Kubena.
In the first month of the season, Baun amassed 43 total tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss and three quarterback pressures. In coverage, he's allowed an opposing passer rating of just 84.7.
The 27-year-old should remain an every-down defender (97 percent of the defensive snaps) for the rest of this season. If he continues playing as he has through Week 4, his stay in Philadelphia could be a lengthy one.
With Huff — who’s making $17 million this season — still searching for his first QB hit as an Eagle, and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, brought back to Philly on a new three-year deal in March, struggling in coverage to the tune of a 137.5 passer rating when targeted, Roseman could use a few wins.
Anyone could have thrown top-of-the-market money at Barkley to save him from the New York Giants. The Eagles clearly saw something in Baun that the Saints did not, and for that, Roseman deserves his flowers.
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