The Philadelphia Eagles are tying a cornerstone of the Super Bowl victory to themselves. Zack Baun signs a three-year contract with the reigning champion.

To call Zack Baun one of the surprises of the past NFL season would be a gross understatement. Instead, the 28-year-old was perhaps one of the biggest shooting stars of the NFL year despite his age.

After four rather mixed years with the New Orleans Saints, who drafted him in the third round in 2020, the linebacker joined the Philadelphia Eagles and developed from nowhere into a central component of the defense.

Baun really blossomed in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s system after being moved to the inside linebacker position. There he played outstandingly and played a major role in the Super Bowl victory. He was also elected All-Pro.

His one-year contract would have expired at the start of the new league year on March 12, but the Eagles have already made a long-term commitment to Baun ahead of free agency.

As “ESPN” reports, he signed a three-year contract worth $51 million, of which $34 million is guaranteed. This makes Baun one of the highest-paid linebackers in the NFL.