Forget about Zack Baun coming to the Broncos; he’s staying with Eagles

Zack Baun would have been a perfect fit for the Broncos had he hit the unrestricted free-agent market. But now, the team’s search for inside-linebacker help will have to go in another direction.

Baun and the Philadelphia Eagles agreed on a 3-year, $51-million contract extension that includes $34 million in guarantees, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The contract removes from the open market a player who had been considered one of the best — if not the best — inside linebackers available this offseason.

Denver coach Sean Payton had a connection with Baun, drafting him in New Orleans in 2020 as a third-round pick. Baun started 7 games for the Saints in two seasons he played for Payton, then made 7 more starts in two campaigns under Payton’s successor, Dennis Allen. But he never moved beyond an occasional starter and rotational contributor on defense; his primary role was on special teams, where he played a majority of snaps in each of his four New Orleans seasons.

Baun signed with Philadelphia last year and had his breakout season. Becoming a full-time starter for the first time, he flourished as an all-around threat who was a plus player in coverage and as a blitzer, as well as a stout force against the run. Baun allowed an 80.5 rating when targeted, per data from SportRadar.com, and added 3.5 sacks and 5 quarterback hits along with 11 tackles for losses as he became a first-team All-Pro.

Dominant postseason form in helping the Eagles to a Super Bowl LIX rout of Kansas City cemented Baun’s ascent to the league’s elite class of linebackers.

BEYOND BAUN, THERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS

The Broncos’ search will likely turn to the rest of a free-agent class that currently includes San Francisco’s Dre Greenlaw, Kansas City’s Nick Bolton, Seattle’s Ernest Jones and Jamien Sherwood of the New York Jets.

There are even some highly-decorated inside linebackers nearing the end of their careers who are available, with Washington’s Bobby Wagner and Tampa Bay’s Lavonte David probably representing the two biggest names on the market, although Wagner and David are 34 and 35 years of age, respectively.

But perhaps the best inside linebacker who would have been available is staying right where he is.

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