If the New England Patriots want to regain relevancy, it will begin with the 2025 offseason and the decisions made here.
The Patriots have not just the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, but also a whopping $119.8 million in projected salary cap space. That’s enough money to start a new squad.
According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, the Patriots and incoming head coach Mike Vrabel will consider signing Philadelphia Eagles free agency linebacker Zack Baun.
“Baun, who was a first-team All-Pro and a Defensive Player of the Year finalist, has established himself as a do-everything defender,” Knox wrote on Sunday, February 17. ” … The Patriots should also be intrigued, as new head coach Mike Vrabel seeks more core pieces to build around second-year quarterback Drake Maye.
Baun is one of the NFL’s biggest success stories in recent years. In March 2024, he signed a one-year, $1.6 million contract with the Eagles, switching from edge rusher to inside linebacker. Then, as the Eagles won their second Super Bowl in a decade, he emerged as one of the top players in the NFL at his position.
Baun had 7 tackles and 1 interception in Super Bowl LIX on February 9, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22.
Baun’s Cinderella Story in Philadelphia
Baun made his first full-time start in Philadelphia, where he won NFL All-Pro and Pro Bowl accolades with 151 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 5 forced fumbles on the NFL’s top defense.
“The Eagles thought they were getting a rotational edge rusher and special teams contributor when they signed Baun to a one-year deal last offseason,” ESPN’s Tim McManus reported on January 29. Instead, he became one of the best off-ball linebackers in football. Philadelphia does not normally invest heavily in the linebacker position, but with Nakobe Dean recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon, there should be even more motivation to sign its breakthrough star to a long-term contract.
Baun spent the first four seasons of his career with the New Orleans Saints, playing a different position.
“It makes me think there’s other players out there who might be out of position, or playing in the wrong position, and just need to move spots,” Baun told NFL Network’s Stacey Dales after the NFC Championship Game on January 26. “And they need to just get that opportunity, to find that right fit.”
Eagles Had Chance to Re-Up Baun During Season
“(Baun) has significantly outplayed that deal and become one of Philadelphia’s centerpiece defenders,” Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder wrote on November 25. “He has shown promise in pursuing down ball carriers, pressing the quarterback, and providing coverage. If the versatile linebacker hits the open market, he is sure to get a lucrative contract. “The Eagles should not let him get there.”
According to Spotrac, Baun’s market value is anticipated to be around a two-year, $20 million contract, which the Patriots may overpay for by making a two-year, $25 million offer to ensure Baun’s signing.
In any case, it’s a huge payday for Baun, who has earned about $8.3 million in his career through the end of the 2024 season.
