Commanders could poach top free agent LB from NFC East rival

The Washington Commanders can shake up the NFC East with a big move in free agency.

Jeremy Brener | Feb 20, 2025

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (53) in Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

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Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders are in need of solidifying their linebacker spot on defense.

Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox believes that the Commanders are a candidate to sign Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun.

ampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws the ball as Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (53) defends

Sep 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws the ball as Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (53) defends during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Baun gone from Eagles?

"After being a role player and part-time (and miscast) edge-rusher in New Orleans for four seasons, Baun joined the Eagles and was moved into an every-down role as an off-ball linebacker. In that new role, the 28-year-old thrived," Knox writes.

"Baun started all 16 games in which he appeared and finished with a career-high 151 tackles, 3.5 sacks and five forced fumbles while allowing an opposing passer rating of only 80.5 in coverage. He continued his strong play through the postseason and into Super Bowl LIX, in which he tallied seven tackles, a quarterback hit and a heads-up interception.

"Baun, who was a first-team All-Pro and a Defensive Player of the Year finalist, has established himself as a do-everything defender. The only question is whether he can continue to shine away from Philly's talented defense.

"The rival Commanders should be eager to find out. Washington is trying to build a title contender and may need a new defensive leader with Bobby Wagner scheduled for free agency."

Baun arguably had one of the best year-over-year performances going from role player with the lowly New Orleans Saints to the best linebacker for a Super Bowl-winning defense. This means that the Eagles need to pay Baun a lot to keep him in Philly, and Washington could drive the price up if it means getting a sound linebacker and taking a piece away from a rival.

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Published Feb 20, 2025

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.