One game in the books and Zack Baun might be the most underrated signing in all of the NFL this season

I am well aware that the Philadelphia Eagles have only played one game this season but it’s hard to ignore what Zack Baun accomplished against the Green Bay Packers in São Paulo, Brazil.

Growing up in Brown Deer, Wisconsin, Zack Baun did what most kids around there do—cheer for the Green Bay Packers.

Fast forward to a Friday night in São Paulo, Brazil, and Baun found himself on the opposite sideline, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles and delivering the game-winning sack in the first game of the 2024-25 NFL season.

In a poetic twist of fate, Baun sealed a 34-29 victory over his childhood team with his second sack of the night, just as the clock hit zero.

Let’s rewind and talk about Zack Baun’s football journey…

After making a name for himself with the Wisconsin Badgers—where he was a consensus first-team All-Big Ten and All-American—Zack Baun was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Despite a strong college resume that included 76 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and a pick-six, Baun never truly found his groove in New Orleans.

The Saints used him primarily as an inside linebacker, which didn’t quite showcase the pass-rushing skills he developed in college. In college, Baun was a beast on the edge, but New Orleans had him playing inside, limiting his chances to shine as a pass rusher.

Zack Baun was looking for a fresh start and found one in Philly

Enter the Eagles and new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

Fangio was intrigued by Baun’s versatility and edge-rushing potential, giving him a shot at redemption in Philly and again, while it’s only been one game, so far it’s paying off for him and the Eagles.

Baun showed flashes of what made him a standout in Madison with Fangio utilizing Baun’s skill set and putting him in positions to succeed.

Wow I underestimated Zack Baun pic.twitter.com/jBbqvotC7k

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) September 7, 2024

Zack Baun wasn’t just active in his first game as the Eagles’ top linebacker—he was everywhere. Leading the team with 15 total tackles (11 solo), Baun made his presence felt from start to finish in Brazil.

Side Note: To put that in perspective, no one else on the Eagles had more than eight tackles. He capped off the night with two sacks, including the game-sealing takedown of Malik Willis, and one tackle for loss.

Zack Baun Game-Clinching Sack on Malik Willis

ZACK BAUN GAME-CLINCHING SACK‼️#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/S25OmcQAtd

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 7, 2024

For a fan base not used to seeing their linebackers fly around the football field, Baun’s debut was a breath of fresh air. What makes this performance even more impressive is that Baun was originally expected to be a rotational edge rusher when he signed with Philly.

Fangio, who’s been Baun’s biggest advocate, can take a well-earned victory lap. He’s seemingly found his new Andrew Van Ginkel—a versatile linebacker who can play all over the field and make impact plays.

Baun’s performance gives Eagles fans a reason to be excited about the future of their defense. If this is what we can expect from him moving forward, Philadelphia may have struck gold with one of the most underrated free-agent pickups of the offseason.

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