PHI Zack Baun
NFL player. Position: Edge Rusher/LB. Team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Quick Facts
- Position: Edge Rusher / Linebacker (pass rush specialist)
- Team: Philadelphia Eagles
2026 Outlook
All-Pro linebacker entering his third season with the Eagles after career-best 2025 campaign. Baun earned first-team All-Pro honors, two Pro Bowl nods, and debuted on NFL Top 100 Players list at #26 in 2025. The 29-year-old was on the field for 92% of the Eagles' defensive snaps last season. Baun leads one of the youngest linebacker rooms in the league and is actively mentoring 2025 first-round pick Jihaad Campbell, who enters 2026 as the expected co-starter alongside him (per Eagles 2026 Training Camp Position Preview: Linebacker)
Peer recognition (July 15): ESPN's poll of NFL coaches and scouts ranked Baun #4 among NFL linebackers heading into 2026, the only player with 120+ tackles and 10+ disrupted dropbacks in 2025. Evaluators noted his lateral quickness and elite fit within Fangio's scheme: "He's perfect for Vic's scheme, can play close to the line and get pressure or can play off the ball." Defensive recognition validates his elite two-way play as a centerpiece defender for Philadelphia's defense (per Zack Baun unanimously considered a top 10 linebacker by NFL coaches and executives).
Week 3 concussion protocol (Sept 30): Baun suffered a concussion in Week 3 win over Bears, where he led the team with 9 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and a pass breakup. Entered NFL concussion protocol heading into Week 4 short-week game against Rams, putting his availability at risk. (per Eagles release lengthy injury report on short week ahead of Rams game)
Cleared for Week 5 (Oct 9): Baun was released from the NFL concussion protocol on Friday, Oct 9, clearing him to play in Week 5 against Jacksonville. ESPN's Tim McManus reported he's expected to play barring any setbacks. The clearance is a major boost for Philadelphia's defense, which had started to fade in the fourth quarter of recent games. Baun appeared in the first three games of the 2026 season, totaling 25 tackles with 4 tackles for loss and 3 pass breakups. (per Eagles' Defensive Star Gets Great News Before Jaguars Game)
IDP tier-1 targeting (June 25): IDP+ ranked Baun as a tier-1 linebacker for 2026 IDP drafts, describing him as offering "high snap production in a strong defensive environment that supports steady accumulation." Recommended targeting him as an early IDP pick (rounds 7-9) in mixed leagues (per 2026 IDP Draft Strategy Guide).
Role / Depth Chart
Starting edge rusher and linebacker; mentoring role for Campbell.
Recent News
- 2026-07-15 — Zack Baun unanimously considered a top 10 linebacker by NFL coaches and executives (Zack Baun unanimously considered a top 10 linebacker by NFL coaches and executives)
- 2026-06-25 — Embracing mentor role with Eagles, working with Jihaad Campbell (Zack Baun embraces change)